quandary
Use Quandary in a sentence
də noun, plural quan·da·ries.
a state of perplexity or uncertainty, especially as to what to do; dilemma.
Origin:
1570–80; perhaps fancifully < Latin quand(ō) when + -āre infinitive suffix
1570–80; perhaps fancifully < Latin quand(ō) when + -āre infinitive suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To quandary
Collins
World English Dictionary
quandary (ˈkwɒndrɪ, -dərɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl -ries | |
| a situation or circumstance that presents problems difficult to solve; predicament; dilemma | |
| [C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin quandō when] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Quandary
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
quandary
1579, "state of perplexity," of unknown origin, perhaps a quasi-Latinism based on L. quando "when."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
She is soon thrust into a series of deceptions and a perilous quandary.
He is in a quandary or quite confused.
It is not an economic quandary, but rather one of self-perception and future path.
The plot examines the quandary of how to go about finding out who we really are when the rug is pulled from under us.
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