B1verb 1K

Confuse

🇬🇧 UK /["/kənˈfjuːz/","/kənˈfjuːzɪz/","/kənˈfjuːzd/","/kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kənˈfjuːz/","/kənˈfjuːzɪz/","/kənˈfjuːzd/","/kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Confuse

to make somebody unable to think clearly or understand something

In simple words: to mix up or not understand something

Confuse in a sentence

• The instructions were so complicated that they began to confuse everyone in the room.
• I often confuse the two similar-looking plants in my garden.
• Don't confuse the two terms; they have different meanings.
• He tends to confuse excitement with anxiety when speaking in public.
• If you confuse me with someone else, I won't be able to help you.

How to use Confuse

Use 'confuse' in situations where something isn't clear. This word is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it to describe feelings directly; prefer 'confused' instead.

Grammar pattern

confuse + object

Memory hint

Think of 'confuse' like a puzzle that’s hard to put together.

Related words

Collocations with Confuse

• completely
• really
• thoroughly
• easily
• for
• with
• completely
• really
• thoroughly

Synonyms for Confuse

• bewilder
• baffle
• perplex
• mistake
• misunderstand

Opposites of Confuse

• clarify
• understand
• explain

Common mistakes with Confuse

• Using 'confuse' with a subject instead of an object (e.g., saying 'it confuses')
• Mixing up 'confuse' with 'confused' (word forms)
• Confusing 'confuse' with 'perplex' (different levels of misunderstanding)

Frequently asked questions about Confuse

What does Confuse mean?

to mix up or not understand something

What is the definition of Confuse?

to make somebody unable to think clearly or understand something

How do you use Confuse in a sentence?

The instructions were so complicated that they began to confuse everyone in the room.

Can you give another example of Confuse?

I often confuse the two similar-looking plants in my garden.

What are synonyms for Confuse?

Common alternatives include bewilder, baffle, perplex, mistake, misunderstand.

What is the opposite of Confuse?

Opposite meanings include clarify, understand, explain.

What words go with Confuse?

It commonly pairs with completely, really, thoroughly, easily, for, with, completely, really, thoroughly.

What are common mistakes when using Confuse?

Using 'confuse' with a subject instead of an object (e.g., saying 'it confuses') Mixing up 'confuse' with 'confused' (word forms) Confusing 'confuse' with 'perplex' (different levels of misunderstanding)

How do you pronounce Confuse?

US: /["/kənˈfjuːz/","/kənˈfjuːzɪz/","/kənˈfjuːzd/","/kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈfjuːz/","/kənˈfjuːzɪz/","/kənˈfjuːzd/","/kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Confuse?

Use 'confuse' in situations where something isn't clear. This word is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it to describe feelings directly; prefer 'confused' instead.

What CEFR level is Confuse?

"Confuse" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.