confusion
/kənˈfjuː.ʒən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Confusion is a state where someone cannot think clearly or understand something well. It can also mean a mix-up or lack of order.
- The sudden change caused confusion in the office.
- There was confusion about the meeting time.
- His explanation only added to the confusion.
Adinary Nuance
Confusion is stronger and less specific than words like doubt or uncertainty. Use confusion when someone cannot clearly understand, decide, or follow what is happening. It can describe a person’s feeling or a messy situation. It is not the same as simple surprise.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự bối rối
- Spanish
- confusión
- Chinese
- 困惑
- Japanese
- 混乱
- Korean
- 혼란
Etymology
Confusion comes from Latin confusio, meaning “a mixing together” or “disorder.” It entered English through Old French in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
cause confusionbe in confusionconfusion over somethinglead to confusion
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between confusion and uncertainty?
- Confusion means you do not understand something clearly. Uncertainty means you are not sure about something.
- Is confusion formal or informal?
- Confusion is neutral. It works in everyday speech, news writing, and academic writing.
- Can confusion describe a situation, not just a feeling?
- Yes. You can say there is confusion in a room, office, or group.