quandary

Pronunciation: noun. Synonyms: plight, conundrum, predicament

noun

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of quandary

A state of uncertainty or perplexity, especially when faced with a difficult situation or decision requiring careful deliberation.

Origin of quandary

Language of origin: Latin (via English)

Root word: quando

Original meaning: when

How it evolved: The word evolved from the Latin ‘quando’ (when) to describe a state of uncertainty, reflecting hesitation about time or action.

The word ‘quandary’ originated in the late 16th century and was used to describe a state of doubt or difficulty.

First known use: 1570s

How to Remember quandary

Imagine someone stuck in a 'quicksand quarry' (quandary) — they can’t decide which way to move without sinking deeper into trouble.

Synonyms for quandary

Antonyms of quandary

  • certainty
  • solution
  • resolution
  • clarity
  • decision

quandary in a Sentence

  1. Caught in a moral quandary, she struggled to balance her personal desires with her professional obligations.
  2. The unexpected turn of events left the committee in a quandary about how to proceed with the project.
  3. Faced with the quandary of choosing between two equally appealing job offers, he turned to his mentor for guidance.

quandary in Literature & Culture

In popular culture, ‘quandary’ is often used in literature and film to highlight characters' moral dilemmas or moments of indecision, adding depth to their narratives.

Usage Notes

‘Quandary’ is often used to describe situations where a decision is difficult due to conflicting options or unclear outcomes. It typically conveys a sense of mental or emotional struggle.

Why quandary Matters for GRE & SAT

‘Quandary’ is a common GRE word used to test a student’s ability to understand nuanced states of uncertainty or complexity in reading comprehension and vocabulary questions.

Word Family

quandaries (noun)
Plural form of quandary, referring to multiple states of uncertainty or difficult situations.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'quandary' has been used in literature by authors such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen to describe characters' internal struggles.
  • Although its origins are unclear, some linguists believe it may have been coined humorously to describe puzzling situations.
  • The word's connection to the Latin ‘quando’ (when) highlights its historical roots in questioning and uncertainty.
  • conundrum
  • dilemma
  • ambiguity
  • Querulous — Complaining in a whiny or petulant manner.
  • qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
  • qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
  • quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
  • quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease

More Vocabulary Words Starting with Q

  • Querulous — Complaining in a whiny or petulant manner.
  • qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
  • qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something
  • qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
  • qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
  • qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
  • quandary — a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation
  • quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
  • quantitative — Relating to, measuring, or measured by quantity
  • quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease