Words / C1

p-uh-PLEKS/pəˈpleks/

To perplex is to confuse someone or make something hard to understand: perplex methods, a perplexing blank. Confuse (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a crest will not fill a cell.

Meaning

To confuse someone or make something hard to understand (from confuse, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A blank cell will perplex methods; a crest will not fill it.”
• “Confuse is already in this course. Baffle is the close twin. A crest is branding. A cell is a count. Put the number in; then hang the crest if the abstract still matches the file.”

Good to know

Confuse; make hard to follow. Everyday: confuse (already in the dictionary). A crest ≠ a filled n.

Near in meaning

baffle, confuse, puzzle

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