confusion
- 1The feeling of not understanding something or being unsure what is going on.
Like trying to read a sign in a language you don't know.
There was a lot of confusion about where the class should meet.
Her confusion grew as the teacher kept changing the rules.
Similarbewilderment, uncertainty, puzzlement, perplexity, misunderstanding
Oppositeclarity, understanding, certainty, comprehension
Note
- 2A messy state where things have no clear order or plan.
Like a pile of toys all jumbled together with no order.
The room was in complete confusion after the party.
There was so much confusion at the airport that no one knew which line to join.
Similarchaos, disorder, turmoil, disarray, commotion
Oppositeorder, calm, orderliness, organization
- 3Mixing up one thing with another, or treating two different things as the same.
Like calling your friend by their twin's name.
There is often confusion between the two brothers because they look alike.
To avoid confusion, we gave each file a different name.
Similarmix-up, muddle, conflation, misidentification
Oppositedistinction, differentiation
Note
- 4Trouble thinking clearly that happens because of a brain illness like dementia.
Like a thick fog that makes it hard to think clearly.
The nurse noticed growing confusion in her elderly patient.
His confusion in the evenings worried the whole family.
Similardisorientation
- 5A group of wildebeest: large, ox-like animals that live in Africa.
Like calling a group of cows a herd, but for wildebeest.
A huge confusion of wildebeest crossed the river together.
The photographer watched a confusion of wildebeest move across the plain.
Similarherd
Note
Less common meaning
- 6A feeling of shame or being embarrassed.
Like the hot feeling in your face when everyone is looking at you.
She lowered her eyes in confusion when he praised her.
His confusion at the compliment made his cheeks turn red.
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of confusion apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
This word came through Old French confusion from Latin confusio. It is made from confuse plus -ion.