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Antonyms for perplex

Grammar : Verb
Spell : per-pleks
Phonetic Transcription : pərˈplɛks

Definition of perplex

Origin :
  • late 14c. as an adjective, "perplexed, puzzled, bewildered," from Latin perplexus "involved, confused, intricate;" but Latin had no corresponding verb *perplectere. The Latin compound would be per "through" (see per) + plexus "entangled," past participle of plectere "to twine, braid, fold" (see complex (adj.)).
  • The form of the English adjective shifted to perplexed by late 15c., probably to conform to other past participle adjectives. The verb is latest attested of the group, in 1590s, evidently a back-formation from the adjective. Related: Perplexing, which well describes the history of the word.
  • verb confuse, mix up
Example sentences :
  • He was a poet without knowing it, and his gifts only served to perplex him further.
  • Extract from : « Bunyan » by James Anthony Froude
  • If I have my private doubts, why should I set them up to perplex the community withal?
  • Extract from : « Dreamers of the Ghetto » by I. Zangwill
  • It was not so difficult as to perplex them, and yet it required attention and care.
  • Extract from : « The Teacher » by Jacob Abbott
  • The idea of his teacher's trying to perplex and embarrass him, was entirely new.
  • Extract from : « The Teacher » by Jacob Abbott
  • "I don't want to perplex you, but I have done something," said Nick, getting up.
  • Extract from : « The Tragic Muse » by Henry James
  • That did not perplex Heidi though, for she saw two glasses standing behind.
  • Extract from : « Heidi » by Johanna Spyri
  • Some of the girls asked foolish questions just to perplex her.
  • Extract from : « The Girls at Mount Morris » by Amanda Minnie Douglas
  • This poverty in nature must perplex the Mesopotamian artist.
  • Extract from : « In Mesopotamia » by Martin Swayne
  • The boat began to move, and the motion seemed to perplex some of the oarsmen.
  • Extract from : « The Boat Club » by Oliver Optic
  • The least religion is enough to perplex him, and the best will not satisfy him.
  • Extract from : « Microcosmography » by John Earle

Synonyms for perplex

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019