Confounded: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'confundere,' which means 'to pour together,' reflecting the idea of mixing things up.
• It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially meaning 'to confuse or perplex'.
• In early usage, the word often referred to mixing in a more physical sense, such as blending substances.

Literature

• The term is frequently used in Shakespeare's works, illustrating unexpected twists and complex situations.
• Charles Dickens often depicted characters feeling confounded amid the rapid changes of the Victorian era.
• It appears in classic literature to convey the emotional turmoil of characters encountering dilemmas.

Psychology

• Feeling confounded can be a cognitive response when individuals cannot make sense of complex information.
• Research shows that ambiguity in communication can lead to confusion, which may invoke feelings of being confounded.
• Cognitive dissonance, when faced with conflicting ideas, can also lead to a state of being confounded.

Pop Culture

• In modern films and TV, characters often exclaim 'confounded!' in moments of distress or curiosity, adding a comedic effect.
• Video games sometimes use 'confounded' to describe characters’ reactions to puzzles or unexpected plot twists.
• It has appeared in various memes, typically portraying reactions to baffling scenarios, signifying a humorous confusion.

Usage in Language

• Commonly used in formal or dramatic contexts, 'confounded' adds emphasis to the feeling of confusion.
• The word can also serve as a mild curse expression, conveying annoyance at something that caused confusion.
• It's often associated with older English, making it feel more dramatic and enhancing emotional expressions.

Ranked #11,220, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11217 deepening
• 11218 prop
• 11219 frightening
• 11220 confounded
• 11221 pea
• 11222 aggrieved
• 11223 clinging
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