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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

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confusing

adjective

/kənˈfyu zɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of confusing

Causing a state of puzzlement, uncertainty, or lack of clarity.
"The movie's non-linear narrative was intentionally confusing but intriguing."

Detailed meaning of confusing

When something is confusing, it presents information, instructions, or situations that are difficult to understand, follow, or make sense of. It can refer to ideas, concepts, language, or experiences that are complex, contradictory, or unclear, leading to confusion or a sense of being perplexed. Confusing elements can arise from various sources, such as convoluted explanations, ambiguous directions, contradictory statements, or overwhelming complexity. The adjective "confusing" indicates that the subject at hand creates a state of mental challenge or disarray, requiring further clarification, simplification, or additional context to bring about clarity and comprehension.

Example sentences containing confusing

1. The user manual was filled with confusing instructions that made it hard to assemble the furniture.
2. The professor's lecture on quantum physics was confusing to most of the students.
3. The road signs in the unfamiliar city were confusing, causing us to take the wrong exit.
4. The new software interface was confusing and took time to navigate.
5. The conflicting information from different sources made the situation even more confusing.
6. The maze of hallways in the building was confusing, and I kept getting lost.

History and etymology of confusing

The adjective 'confusing' is derived from the verb 'confuse,' which has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'confundere.' 'Confundere' combines 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'fundere' meaning 'to pour' or 'to mix.' This etymology aptly conveys the essence of 'confusing' as something that brings things 'together' in a manner that mixes or blends them mentally, leading to a state of puzzlement, uncertainty, or lack of clarity. It implies a sense of bewilderment or disorientation caused by the mingling or mixing of ideas, information, or concepts. The term 'confusing' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of mental mixing and blending, emphasizing the resulting state of uncertainty or lack of clarity that it induces.

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Further usage examples of confusing

1. The politician's speech was filled with confusing statements that left the audience puzzled.
2. The technical jargon used in the presentation was confusing for the non-experts in the room.
3. The foreign language textbook had confusing grammar rules that were hard to understand.
4. The directions to the event were so confusing that many people got lost along the way.
5. The multiple choice questions on the exam were purposely designed to be confusing.
6. The user interface of the app is unnecessarily confusing.
7. The conflicting explanations made the situation more confusing.
8. The complex rules of the game can be quite confusing.
9. His vague instructions made the task more confusing.
10. The directions he gave were rather confusing.
11. The jumble of wires in the back is confusing.
12. The mixed signals from her are really confusing.
13. The rapid changes in policy are very confusing.
14. The maze of corridors was disorienting and confusing.
15. The language barrier can make communication confusing.
16. The multitude of options makes the decision confusing.
17. The overlapping responsibilities can be confusing.
18. The constant interruptions in the meeting were confusing.
19. The conflicting advice from experts is confusing.
20. The complex web of relationships is confusing.
21. The contradictory data makes the analysis confusing.
22. The contradictory statements from witnesses are confusing.
23. The lack of clear guidance is quite confusing.
24. The convoluted plot of the movie is confusing.
25. The puzzle's intricate design is intentionally confusing.