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A Word A Day : Quandary
Thursday, 20th March 2008 : Today's Word is ...
Quandary
Pronunciation : kwónde-ree & kwóndree
1. a state of uncertainty or indecision as to what to do in a difficult situation
2. a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
3. trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
4. a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible
1579, state of perplexity - of unknown origin - perhaps a quasi-Latinism based on L. quando - when
bewilderment, bind, box, catch 22, clutch, corner, difficulty, dilemma, double trouble, doubt, embarrassment, hang-up, impasse, mire, perplexity, pickle, plight, predicament, puzzle, spot, strait, uncertainty
certainty, decisiveness, calm, peace, peace of mind, serenity, advantage, solution
• We were in a quandary as to whether we should go on vacation this week or next week.
• Once or twice as I stood waiting there for things to accomplish themselves, I could not resist an impulse to laugh at my miserable quandary.
• Weeks had listened politely, with smiling modesty, till Hayward finished; then he asked one or two insidious questions, so innocent in appearance that Hayward, not seeing into what a quandary they led him, answered blandly.
• The school commissioners were in a quandary over the needful size of an open-air playground.
• Don told me of the quandary that the authorities were in. Should the ruins be left untouched or should they be reconstructed for a new wave of tourists?
• quandaries : Noun - Plural
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