Meaning & Definition of word "Confusion"

Confusion

/kənˈfjuːʒən/

noun:

  • 1. a lack of understanding or uncertainty about something.
    • Example: There was a great deal of confusion over the new policy changes.
  • 2. the state of being mixed up or unclear.
    • Example: His explanation added to the confusion rather than clarifying the situation.
  • 3. a feeling of disorder or chaos.
    • Example: The sudden fire drill caused confusion among the students.
  • 4. a state of mental disarray or bewilderment.
    • Example: After the long meeting, she was left in a state of confusion about her responsibilities.

Etymology

from Latin 'confusio', meaning 'mixing together', from 'confundere' meaning 'to pour together'

Common Phrases and Expressions

state of confusion:

a situation where nothing is clear and there is misunderstanding

confusion of tongues:

a situation in which people do not understand each other due to language differences

throw into confusion:

to cause someone to be bewildered or to disrupt normal understanding

Related Words

bewilderment:

a state of being perplexed and confused

perplexity:

the state of being confused or puzzled

disarray:

a lack of order or a mess

ambiguity:

the quality of being open to more than one interpretation

Slang Meanings of confusion

Meaning: brain fog

Example Sentence: I have such brain fog right now, I can't think straight.

Meaning: mixed signals

Example Sentence: He keeps giving me mixed signals, and it's causing confusion.