confuse
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /kənˈfjuz/
KK: /kənˈfjuz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make something unclear or difficult to understand.
Example
The new instructions seem to confuse everyone.
Tense Forms
Past: confused
Past Participle: confused
Conversation
I just read that article about the new tax laws, and it really confuses me.
Right? I felt the same way after going through it.
It seems like they always make things more complicated than they need to confuse us.
Exactly! Why can't they just keep it simple?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bewilder
perplex
baffle
Antonyms
clarify
explain
illuminate
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone unable to think clearly or understand something; to mix up or make unclear.
Example
The instructions were so complicated that they confused everyone.
Tense Forms
Past: confused
Past Participle: confused
Conversation
I tried to explain the math problem to her, but I think I just confused her more.
Yeah, math can be really tricky sometimes.
I guess I should have simplified my explanation.
Root Explanation
Confuse → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "fundere" (meaning to pour). The word describes the act of pouring things together, leading to a state of disorder or lack of clarity.
Memory Tip
Think of things being 'poured together' ('con-') in a way that makes them unclear or mixed up — that's why confuse means to make unclear.
Visually Confused Words
reconfuse
conusee
contuse
conus
unconfused
preconfuse
inconfused
convulse