What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bewilder
Example
The complex instructions on the manual bewildered me. [bewildered: past tense]
Example
She looked bewildered when I asked her the question. [bewildered: adjective]
confound
Example
The magician's tricks confounded the audience. [confounded: past tense]
Example
I am confounded by the complexity of this math problem. [confounded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bewilder is more commonly used than confound in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to express confusion or puzzlement. On the other hand, confound is slightly less common but can be used to convey a stronger sense of being overwhelmed or astonished.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bewilder and confound?
Both bewilder and confound can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bewilder is generally considered more neutral and can be used in a wider range of situations, while confound may carry a slightly more formal or literary tone.
