What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obfuscate
Example
The politician tried to obfuscate the truth by using convoluted language. [obfuscate: verb]
Example
The technical jargon used in the manual obfuscated the instructions for the user. [obfuscated: past tense]
confuse
Example
I am confused about the instructions for this game. [confused: adjective]
Example
The teacher's explanation only served to confuse the students further. [confuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than obfuscate in everyday language. Confuse is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while obfuscate is less common and is often used in technical or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obfuscate and confuse?
Obfuscate is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while confuse can be used in both formal and informal contexts.