Definition

In a way that causes confusion or makes something difficult to understand.

Example

The instructions were written confusingly, making it hard to follow them.

Conversation

Did you find the instructions for the game helpful?

Not really, they were written confusingly for me.

I thought so too; it made setting up a bit tricky.

Yeah, we should suggest they rewrite them for clarity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Confusingly → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "fundere" (meaning to pour). The suffix "-ly" indicates the manner of the action. The word "confusingly" describes the manner in which something is poured together in a way that creates confusion.

Memory Tip

Think of things being 'poured together' ('con-' and 'fundere') in a way that makes it hard to understand — that's why confusingly means in a confusing manner.

Visually Confused Words