ENGLISH
REFERENCE

confusing

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kənˈfjuzɪŋ// UK //kənfjˈuːzɪŋ// con·fus·ing General-service

v. difficult to understand because it is not clear or simple. You use this to describe things that make you feel mixed up or unsure.

v. causing a lack of clarity or a state of mental uncertainty. Frequently used to describe instructions, situations, or information that is poorly structured.


SIMPLE

The map is very confusing and we are lost.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software update has a confusing interface that makes simple tasks take much longer.

COMPLEX

The witness provided a confusing account of the evening, frequently contradicting her earlier statements and leaving the jury unsure of the timeline.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used to describe the thing that causes the feeling, rather than the person feeling it.

Pitfall

I am very confusingI am very confusedLearners often use the -ing form to describe their own feelings; 'confusing' describes the cause, while 'confused' describes the person's state.

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