What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quandary
Example
I'm in a quandary about which job offer to accept. [quandary: noun]
Example
She found herself in a quandary when both her friends asked her to attend their parties on the same day. [quandary: noun]
perplexity
Example
The instructions were written with such perplexity that I couldn't understand them. [perplexity: noun]
Example
He looked at me with perplexity when I asked him to explain the concept. [perplexity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perplexity is less common than quandary in everyday language. Quandary is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while perplexity is more specific and often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quandary and perplexity?
Both quandary and perplexity are formal words, but perplexity is more likely to be used in academic or technical writing, while quandary can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
