'perplexity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perplexitas', where 'per-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'plexus' (from 'plectere') meant 'to weave or twist'.

'perplexity' changed from Middle French 'perplexité' and Middle English 'perplexite' and eventually became the modern English word 'perplexity'.

Initially it meant 'entanglement or being twisted together', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state of confusion or difficulty'.