confused
Confused (adj) means Unable to think clearly or understand what is happening. Example: “The elderly man looked confused and couldn't remember his address.”
How to use confused
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot able to make sense of something, or (of things) badly muddled.
Word forms
more confused comparative, most confused superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The elderly man looked _____ and couldn't remember his address.
Etymology
Originally from Middle English confused (“frustrated, ruined”), from Anglo-Norman confus + Middle English -ed (past participial suffix), from Latin cōnfūsus, past participle of cōnfundō; now equivalent to confuse (a back-formation) + -ed.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for confused
See all rhymes for confused →Frequently asked questions
What does “confused” mean?
The word “confused” means unable to think clearly or understand what is happening. In plain terms, not able to make sense of something, or (of things) badly muddled.
How do you pronounce “confused”?
“Confused” is pronounced kuhn-FYOOZD (/kənˈfjuːzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “confused” in a sentence?
Here is “confused” used in a sentence: “The elderly man looked confused and couldn't remember his address.”
What is another word for “confused”?
Words with a similar meaning to “confused” include addle-pated, addled, addlepated, at a loss, at a loss for words and at sea.
What part of speech is “confused”?
“Confused” is an adjective.
Is “confused” a common word?
“Confused” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “confused” have?
“Confused” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to think clearly or understand what is happening.
What is the difference between confused and confusing?
Confused describes the person who cannot think clearly or make sense of something — it is how you feel. Confusing describes the thing that causes that feeling. Unclear instructions are confusing, and they leave you confused. Remember that people are confused, while situations, texts, and explanations are confusing.
What is the opposite of confused?
The opposites are words like clear-headed, certain, and sure. Where a confused person cannot follow what is happening, someone clear understands the situation and knows what to do. 'Oriented' is used in a medical sense for a patient who is alert and aware of time, place, and identity.
What is an example of feeling confused?
Arriving in an unfamiliar city and being unable to tell which direction to walk leaves you confused. So does reading a form whose questions seem to contradict each other, or waking suddenly and not knowing where you are. In each case the mind cannot yet make clear sense of the situation.
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