quandary

NOUN

[/ˈkwɑːndəri/]

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation

💡 Concept

Stuck in a quandary, he can't decide which path to take at the crossroads.

🧠 Mnemonic

Quan can't decide which dairy — stuck in a quandary!

🎵 Rhyme

At the boundary near the foundry, facing a quandary

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkwɑːndəri/

🇬🇧 UK/ˈkwɒndəri/

🌳Etymology

Rootquandary

Suffix--ary

Origin

The origin of 'quandary' is uncertain, but it likely derives from Latin 'quando' (when) or possibly from a corruption of the Latin legal phrase 'quando' or an obsolete word. It first appeared in English in the 16th century with the meaning of a difficult situation or dilemma.

Breakdown

The morpheme breakdown is unclear due to its obscure etymology; 'quandary' appears to be a standalone word rather than a clear combination of morphemes, though some scholars suggest a possible connection to Latin 'quando' (when) or Old English elements, making the exact decomposition uncertain.

🎵Rhyme

boundaryfoundry

boundary

foundry

🔗Collocations

in a quandary

face a quandary

moral quandary

pose a quandary

resolve a quandary

ethical quandary

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Sarah was in a real quandary when she had to choose between pizza and ice cream for her last meal on Earth.”

“The CEO faced a quandary about whether to expand globally or focus on domestic markets.”

😄 Fun example

“I'm in such a quandary - my cat wants tuna but my dog wants chicken for dinner, and I only have money for one can.”

“The politician's quandary was whether to vote according to his conscience or his party's wishes.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

dilemmapredicamentpuzzleconundrumperplexity

Antonyms

certaintyclarityresolution

confusionuncertaintyhesitationindecision

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quandary — a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation

Example Sentences