How to pronounce perplex
Say it like per-PLEKS. Perplex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEKS).
- per
- PLEKS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perplex pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- PLEKSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of perplex
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-PLEKS.
What does perplex mean?
- To cause to feel baffled; to puzzle.
- To involve; to entangle; to make intricate or complicated.
Where does perplex come from?
From Old French, from Latin perplexus (“entangled, confused”), from per (“through”) + plexus, perfect passive participle of plectō (“plait, weave, braid”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perplex
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perplex.
Questions about saying perplex
How do you pronounce perplex?
Say per-PLEKS. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈplɛks/. In British English it is /pəˈplɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perplex?
Perplex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEKS). Broken into parts: per · PLEKS.
Is perplex pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pəˈplɛks/ (puh-PLEKS).