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quandary

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quan⋅da⋅ry

[kwon-duh-ree, -dree]
–noun, plural -ries.
a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma.

Origin:
1570–80; perh. fancifully < L quand(ō) when + -āre inf. suffix


See predicament.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To quandary
quan·da·ry   (kwŏn'də-rē, -drē)   
n.   pl. quan·da·ries
A state of uncertainty or perplexity. See Synonyms at predicament.

[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

quandary 
1579, "state of perplexity," of unknown origin, perhaps a quasi-Latinism based on L. quando "when."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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