Words / B1

k-uh-n-FYOOZ/kənˈfjuːz/

To confuse is to mix two things up, or to make thinking unclear: confuse A with B; the instructions confused me. Mix up is informal; puzzle is milder. Confused describes the person; confusing describes the thing — a frequent exam trap (never “I am confuse”). Confusion is the noun; confusingly is the adverb.

Meaning

To make someone unable to think clearly, or to mix two things up.

Examples

• “The similar words confuse some learners.”
• “Learners often confuse “affect” with “effect.””
• “The new layout confused several customers.”

Good to know

confuse A with B. Person: confused. Thing: confusing. Noun: confusion. Informal: mix up.

Near in meaning

mix up

New