English · Word Candidate

confuse

/kənˈfjuːz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: confuses

Sense 1

Meaning · English

to puzzle, perplex, baffle, bewilder (somebody); to afflict by being complicated, contradictory, or otherwise difficult to understand

Verb

It confused me when I went to the office and nobody was there, but then I realised it was Sunday.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To mix up, muddle up (one thing with another); to mistake (one thing for another).

Verb

People who say "hola" to Italians are confusing Italian with Spanish.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “confuse” mean?

to puzzle, perplex, baffle, bewilder (somebody); to afflict by being complicated, contradictory, or otherwise difficult to understand

Is “confuse” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.