Finesentence logo

Confounding: meaning, definitions and examples

😕
Add to dictionary

confounding

 

[ kənˈfaʊndɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

causing confusion

Confounding refers to something that causes confusion or perplexity. In a broader sense, it can describe situations where results are misleading due to the interference of an additional variable.

Synonyms

bewildering, mystifying, puzzling

Examples of usage

  • The confounding factors made it difficult to draw conclusions.
  • Her confounding remarks left everyone puzzled.
  • The confounding results challenged previous assumptions.
Context #2 | Verb

to confuse

To confound means to throw someone into confusion or to mix up. It can also refer to the act of contradicting or proving someone wrong.

Synonyms

baffle, confuse, perplex

Examples of usage

  • The magician's tricks confounded the audience.
  • His complex argument confounded his opponents.
  • They were confounded by the unexpected changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "confounding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confundindo

🇮🇳 भ्रमित

🇩🇪 verwirrend

🇮🇩 bingung

🇺🇦 заплутуючий

🇵🇱 mylący

🇯🇵 混乱させる

🇫🇷 déconcertant

🇪🇸 confuso

🇹🇷 kafa karıştırıcı

🇰🇷 혼란스러운

🇸🇦 مرتبك

🇨🇿 zmatený

🇸🇰 zmätený

🇨🇳 困惑的

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ruglingslegur

🇰🇿 шатасатын

🇬🇪 დაბნეული

🇦🇿 qarışıq

🇲🇽 confuso

Etymology

The word 'confound' comes from the Latin 'confundere', which means 'to pour together' or 'to mix up'. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. In its earlier uses, it primarily referred to the mixing of elements or ideas, often resulting in confusion or disorder. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of causing surprise or confusion by presenting something unexpectedly. The related term 'confounding' emerged later to describe the action of causing confusion or mixing up concepts. The transition from a physical mixing to an abstract sense of confusion reflects the broader linguistic trend of metaphoric extension in English, where words evolve to encompass more complex or nuanced meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,731, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.