Confounding

/kənˈfaʊndɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.

The magician's tricks confounded the audience, leaving them in awe.

to mix up or confuse different elements.

The complex variables confounded the analysis, making it challenging to draw clear conclusions.

adjective

causing confusion or bewilderment; perplexing.

The confounding results made it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

mixed up or confused in a way that makes something difficult to understand.

The confounding data presented by the researchers led to several misinterpretations.

From Latin 'confundere', meaning 'to pour together'.

confounding variables

Factors that obscure the relationship between two other variables.

confounding factors

Circumstances that could affect the outcome of a study.

confounding evidence

Information that complicates the understanding of a situation.

confounding expectations

Going against what was anticipated.

confound

To cause surprise or confusion; to mix up.

confusion

The state of being bewildered or unclear in one’s mind.

bewilder

To cause someone to become perplexed and confused.

Mind-blowing

That magic trick was confounding, absolutely mind-blowing!

Throwing a curveball

The plot twist in that movie was confounding, really threw a curveball at us.