confusing — difficult to understand; making someone feel bewildered
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: difficult to understand; making someone feel bewildered
Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The GPS gave such confusing directions that we ended up at a petting zoo instead of the airport.
- His confusing explanation made quantum physics sound like a cooking recipe gone wrong.
- The confusing layout of the new shopping mall had customers walking in circles for hours.
confusing
ADJECTIVE[/kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/]
difficult to understand; making someone feel bewildered

The new subway map is so confusing that tourists keep walking in circles.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'confundere', meaning 'to pour together' or 'to mix together'. The sense evolved metaphorically from the image of multiple liquids poured together becoming indistinguishable, to mean 'to perplex' or 'to bewilder the mind'.
Breakdown
con- (together) + fundere (to pour) → confuse (to mix together, perplex) + -ing (present participle suffix indicating an ongoing action or quality).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The GPS gave such confusing directions that we ended up at a petting zoo instead of the airport.”
“His confusing explanation made quantum physics sound like a cooking recipe gone wrong.”
“The confusing layout of the new shopping mall had customers walking in circles for hours.”
“It's confusing when your identical twin brothers wear the same clothes every day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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