Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Confusingly: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔
Add to dictionary

confusingly

 

[kənˈfjuːzɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe an action or situation that is difficult to understand or causes confusion

In a manner that is difficult to understand or causes confusion. Something that is done in a way that is not clear or causes uncertainty.

Synonyms

ambiguously, bewilderingly, puzzlingly, unclearly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
confusingly

Use this when something is causing confusion or is not straightforward.

  • The instructions were confusingly written, making it hard to follow.
  • She spoke so confusingly that no one could understand her point.
unclearly

This is used to describe when something is not expressed or explained in an understandable way.

  • He spoke so unclearly that nobody got what he meant.
  • The rules were written unclearly, causing a lot of confusion.
ambiguously

This is used when something has more than one possible meaning or interpretation, often leading to confusion or uncertainty.

  • He answered ambiguously, leaving us unsure of his true intentions.
  • The contract was ambiguously worded, which later led to legal disputes.
puzzlingly

Used when something is difficult to understand or figure out.

  • The results were puzzlingly inconsistent with our expectations.
  • He acted puzzlingly, making it hard for anyone to predict his next move.
bewilderingly

This word is used to describe something that causes a feeling of being extremely confused or puzzled.

  • The plot of the movie was bewilderingly complex.
  • She stared bewilderingly at the advanced math problem.

Examples of usage

  • She explained the directions confusingly, leaving us all unsure of what to do next.
  • The instructions were written confusingly, making it hard for us to follow.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'confusingly' comes from 'confuse', which means to mix things up or make them unclear.
  • It is made by adding ‘-ly’, which changes an adjective into an adverb, showing how the action is done.
  • The root 'confuse' derives from Latin 'confundere', implying bringing things together so they become mixed up.

Psychology

  • Studies show that when information is presented confusingly, it can lead to increased cognitive load, making it harder for the brain to process.
  • Confusion can serve a purpose in learning; it often signals that deeper understanding is needed before moving forward.
  • The state of confusion can actually stimulate problem-solving skills as individuals work to untangle complex ideas.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows use confusing plots to keep audiences engaged, leading to discussions and theories among fans.
  • Song lyrics can also be confusing, leading listeners to interpret meanings in various ways, evident in artists like Bob Dylan.
  • Confusingly structured narratives often appear in literature, such as in the works of authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.

Communication

  • When instructions are given confusingly, they can lead to misunderstandings or mistakes, highlighting the importance of clarity.
  • Confusing language can hinder effective communication, especially in legal or technical contexts.
  • Studies in linguistics suggest that cultural differences can make standard phrases confusing when used in unfamiliar contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "confusingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de forma confusa

🇮🇳 भ्रामक रूप से

🇩🇪 verwirrend

🇮🇩 membingungkan

🇺🇦 заплутано

🇵🇱 dezorientująco

🇯🇵 混乱して

🇫🇷 de manière confuse

🇪🇸 confusamente

🇹🇷 kafa karıştırıcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 혼란스럽게

🇸🇦 بشكل مربك

🇨🇿 zmateně

🇸🇰 mätúco

🇨🇳 令人困惑地

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ruglingslega

🇰🇿 шатастырып

🇬🇪 დაბნეულად

🇦🇿 çaşdırıcı şəkildə

🇲🇽 confusamente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,906, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.