Meaning & Definition of word "Confounding"

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    Confounding

    /kənˈfaʊndɪŋ/

    verb:

    • 1. to cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.
      • Example: The magician's tricks confounded the audience, leaving them in awe.
    • 2. to mix up or confuse different elements.
      • Example: The complex variables confounded the analysis, making it challenging to draw clear conclusions.

    adjective:

    • 1. causing confusion or bewilderment; perplexing.
      • Example: The confounding results made it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
    • 2. mixed up or confused in a way that makes something difficult to understand.
      • Example: The confounding data presented by the researchers led to several misinterpretations.

    Etymology

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

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    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.

    Related Words

    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.

    Slang Meanings of confounding

    Meaning: Mind-blowing

    Example Sentence: That magic trick was confounding, absolutely mind-blowing!

    Meaning: Throwing a curveball

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