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REFERENCE

confusion

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kənˈfjuʒən// UK //kənfjˈuːʒən// con·fu·sion Archaic General-service

n. a feeling of being unsure or not understanding what is happening. It can also describe a situation that is messy or disorganized.

n. a state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind about something. Often refers to a situation where things are not clearly distinguished or are in a state of disorder.


SIMPLE

There was some confusion about the time of the meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

The new traffic signs caused a lot of confusion among local drivers during the first week.

COMPLEX

The sudden change in leadership left the department in a state of total confusion, as nobody knew who was responsible for the final budget approvals.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general state of being confused; countable when referring to a specific instance or a messy situation.

Pitfall

I am in a confusionI am in a state of confusionWhen describing a personal mental state, the word is typically uncountable and requires a phrase like 'a state of' or 'a feeling of'.

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