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Confound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ต
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confound

[kษ™nหˆfaสŠnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a state of confusion

To cause someone to become confused or bewildered.

Synonyms

baffle, bewilder, perplex, puzzle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confound

Use this word when something completely surprises or confuses someone, often because it goes against their expectations. It has a slightly stronger impact than some of the other words on the list.

  • His incredible performance confounded all the critics.
  • The magician's trick confounded the audience.
bewilder

This word is used when someone is very confused and uncertain about what to do. It's often used to describe a situation where someone feels lost.

  • The new city map bewildered all the tourists.
  • The technical jargon in the manual bewildered me.
baffle

This word is often used to describe being completely unable to understand something. It suggests a stronger sense of confusion than 'puzzle' but not as intense as 'confound'.

  • The complex instructions baffled everyone in the room.
  • Her sudden change in behavior completely baffled her friends.
perplex

This word indicates a state of confusion that makes it hard to make sense of something. It is a bit stronger than 'puzzle' but not as strong as 'baffle' or 'confound'.

  • The scientist was perplexed by the unexpected results.
  • Her cryptic message perplexed me.
puzzle

This word is often used when someone is curious and confused about something. Itโ€™s a milder form of confusion compared to the other words.

  • The strange noise puzzled the dog.
  • The math problem puzzled the students.

Examples of usage

  • He was confounded by the unexpected turn of events.
  • The complex instructions confounded the new employees.
  • The magician's tricks confounded the audience.
  • The contradictory statements confounded the reporters.
  • The results of the experiment confounded the researchers.
Context #2 | Verb

to prove wrong

To prove a theory, expectation, or belief wrong.

Synonyms

contradict, disprove, invalidate, refute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confound

Use this word when someone or something causes confusion or mixes things up in a surprising way. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.

  • The magician's tricks always confound the audience
  • The sudden change in plans confounded everyone
refute

Use this term when you want to formally prove that a statement or theory is incorrect or false. It's often used in academic or legal discussions.

  • The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony
  • The study aims to refute common misconceptions
disprove

Best used when you want to show that a statement, theory, or belief is incorrect or false with evidence or proof.

  • The scientist aimed to disprove the old hypothesis
  • The results of the experiment disprove the previous research
contradict

This word is used when a statement or action goes against or disagrees with something that has been said or done. Often used in arguments or discussions.

  • His story contradicts the evidence we have
  • She hates when people contradict her opinions
invalidate

This word is used to nullify or make something legally or logically void, often in a formal or official context.

  • The contract was invalidated due to a clerical error
  • His argument was invalidated by the new evidence

Examples of usage

  • The new evidence confounded the previous assumptions.
  • The research findings confounded the critics.
  • The unexpected outcome confounded the skeptics.
  • The data confounded the hypothesis.
  • The results of the study confounded the original predictions.
Context #3 | Noun

archaic

A state of confusion or bewilderment.

Synonyms

bewilderment, muddle, perplexity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confound

This word is typically used when someone or something causes confusion or surprise, often leading to a failure in understanding or explanation. It can also carry a slightly stronger and more dramatic connotation compared to others.

  • The magician's trick confounded the audience
  • Her unexpected reply confounded his initial assumptions
perplexity

This word is used when describing a state of being puzzled or confused, often implying a deeper level of intellectual or emotional disorientation. It tends to have a more formal tone.

  • The scientist faced the problem with great perplexity
  • Her perplexity was evident as she tried to understand the complex puzzle
bewilderment

Primarily used when someone is very puzzled or confused, often to the point of being unable to think clearly. This word is a suitable choice when depicting a state of intense disorientation.

  • She stared at the strange device in complete bewilderment
  • The sudden change in plans left everyone in bewilderment
muddle

Used when referring to a state of confusion, disorder, or a mix-up. It often implies a mess or a situation that is difficult to make sense of.

  • The instructions for the new software left him in a muddle
  • Their finances were in a complete muddle after the unexpected expenses

Examples of usage

  • He was in a state of confound after the accident.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance can confound individuals, as it involves holding contradictory beliefs that challenge understanding.
  • Learning something new can sometimes confound our existing knowledge, causing a temporary state of confusion.

Literature

  • Many authors use confounding plots in mysteries, ensuring readers are kept guessing and engaged.
  • Shakespeare often employed the term in his plays to add layers of confusion to his charactersโ€™ predicaments.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often employs confounding situations to create drama, keeping viewers entertained and puzzled.
  • Magic shows rely on the element of the confounding to amaze audiences, making them question their perceptions.

Science

  • In experiments, confounding variables can lead to incorrect conclusions, presenting a challenge in research.
  • Astrophysics often deals with confounding phenomena when trying to understand dark matter and energy.

Origin of 'confound'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'confundere,' meaning 'to pour together,' hinting at mixing things up.
  • In Middle English, it came to signify confusion by blending elements that should remain distinct.

The word 'confound' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'confondre', which means 'to confuse' or 'to mix up'. Over time, the meaning of 'confound' has evolved to include the ideas of perplexing, proving wrong, and causing bewilderment. The word has been used in various contexts to describe situations where clarity is lost or expectations are overturned. It continues to be a versatile term in English language usage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,656, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.