What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mystified
Example
I am completely mystified by the disappearance of my keys. [mystified: adjective]
Example
The magician's trick left the audience mystified. [mystified: past participle]
confused
Example
I am confused about the instructions for this assignment. [confused: adjective]
Example
The new student was confused about the school's schedule. [confused: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confused is more commonly used than mystified in everyday language. Confused is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mystified is less common and refers to a more specific type of confusion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mystified and confused?
Both mystified and confused can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and neither word is particularly more formal than the other.
