What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disorientate
Example
The winding streets of the old town can disorientate even the most experienced traveler. [disorientate: verb]
Example
The sudden change in altitude disorientated the pilot, causing him to lose control of the aircraft. [disorientated: past tense]
confuse
Example
The instructions were so confusing that I had to ask for help. [confusing: adjective]
Example
I'm sorry, your explanation only served to confuse me further. [confuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than disorientate in everyday language. Confuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disorientate is less common and more formal, typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disorientate and confuse?
Disorientate is more formal than confuse, which is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
