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REFERENCE

confusion

n.
US //kənˈfjuʒən// UK //kənfjˈuːʒən// con·fu·sion
  1. 1 lack of understanding (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the feeling you have when you do not understand something or when something is not clear.

    the psychological state of being bewildered or unclear about a situation or information.

    Example

    There was some confusion about the new schedule, so many students arrived late.

    Example

    The sudden change in policy caused widespread confusion among the staff, as no clear instructions were provided regarding the transition period.
  2. 2 disorder or mess (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where there is no order and everything is messy or unorganised.

    a state of disorder, chaos, or lack of systematic arrangement.

    Example

    In the confusion after the fire alarm, people forgot to grab their coats.

    Example

    The retreat was conducted in utter confusion, with units becoming separated from their commanders in the dense fog.
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  1. 3 mistaking one for another (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of thinking one person or thing is actually another.

    the act of failing to distinguish between two or more different things; a conflation of identities or concepts.

    Example

    To avoid confusion, the twins wore different coloured ribbons in their hair.

    Example

    The legal dispute arose from a confusion between the two similar brand names, leading consumers to believe the products were from the same company.
  2. 4 medical disorientation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a medical condition where a person is not sure who they are or where they are.

    a clinical state of disorientation regarding time, place, or identity, often associated with cognitive decline or acute illness.

    Example

    The doctor noted that the patient's confusion was getting worse in the evenings.

    Example

    Acute mental confusion in elderly patients can often be a primary symptom of an underlying infection rather than a permanent cognitive decline.
  3. 5 a group of wildebeest (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Humorous

    the special name for a large group of wildebeest.

    the collective noun specifically used for a herd of wildebeest.

    Example

    We watched a confusion of wildebeest crossing the river during the migration.

    Example

    The safari guide pointed out a massive confusion of wildebeest gathering on the plains, preparing for their annual trek northward.
Origin

From Middle English confusioun, from Old French confusion, from Latin confusio, confusionem. Morphologically confuse + -ion.

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