Definition

In a way that causes confusion or surprise, often because something is unexpected or difficult to understand.

Example

The results of the experiment were confoundingly complex, leaving the researchers puzzled.

Conversation

I found the ending of that movie confoundingly strange.

Right? It left me with so many questions.

Yeah, I was hoping for a clearer resolution, but it was just so confoundingly vague.

Exactly! I really wanted to understand what happened.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Confoundingly → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "found" (from Latin "fundere", meaning to pour or melt). The suffix "-ly" indicates the manner of the action. The word "confoundingly" means in a manner that causes confusion or perplexity, often by mixing things together in an unexpected way.

Memory Tip

Think of things being 'poured together' ('con-' and 'fundere') in a confusing way — that's why confoundingly means causing confusion.

Visually Confused Words