confuse

[kənˈfjuːz]

confuse Definition

  • 1to make someone uncertain or unable to understand something
  • 2to mistake one thing for another

Using confuse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "confuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The instructions confused me, so I had to ask for help.

  • Example

    I always confuse the twins because they look so similar.

  • Example

    The new road layout is confusing drivers.

  • Example

    Her explanation only confused the matter further.

confuse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for confuse

Antonyms for confuse

Idioms Using confuse

  • to completely bewilder or perplex someone

    Example

    The complicated instructions confused the hell out of me.

  • confuse someone's mind

    to make someone unable to think clearly or logically

    Example

    The constant interruptions confused my mind and made it hard to focus.

  • confuse someone's priorities

    to cause someone to lose sight of what is important or to prioritize the wrong things

    Example

    The new job confused her priorities and she started neglecting her family.

Phrases with confuse

  • to mistake one person for another

    Example

    I'm sorry, I must have confused you with someone else.

  • to be uncertain or unable to understand something

    Example

    I'm a bit confused about what we're supposed to do next.

  • to make a situation more complicated and difficult to understand

    Example

    Bringing up irrelevant details will only confuse the issue.

Origins of confuse

from Latin 'confusus', meaning 'mixed together'

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Summary: confuse in Brief

To 'confuse' [kənˈfjuːz] means to make someone uncertain or unable to understand something, or to mistake one thing for another. It can refer to anything from instructions to people. Examples include 'The new road layout is confusing drivers,' and 'Her explanation only confused the matter further.' The idiom 'confuse the hell out of someone' denotes complete bewilderment.

How do native speakers use this expression?