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.
双语例句
1. We're dismal enough without conjuring up ghosts and visions to perplex us.
用不着招神现鬼来缠我们,我们已够惨的啦.
来自辞典例句
2. This problem is hard enough to perplex even the teacher.
这个问题确实很难,以至于老师都迷惑不解.
来自辞典例句
3. I have no wish to perplex the issue.
我不想使问题复杂化.
来自辞典例句
4. This maker continues to perplex me with this wine.
这个制造商继续用酒困扰我.
来自互联网
5. In reality, careers and the workplace perplex me entirely.