confusion
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,905 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 9,411 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.004% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably the army retreated in confusion
- a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior also: mental confusion, confusedness, muddiness, disarray a confusion of impressions
- a feeling of embarrassment that leaves you confused also: discombobulation
- an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel
- a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another also: mix-up he changed his name in order to avoid confusion with the notorious outlaw
confusion in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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He took a step toward us, hesitated, and then turned in confusion.
Brigands of the Moon · Ray Cummings · Chapter 1
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In such confusion, what man could call unwise a halting-time, a compromise?
The Purchase Price · Emerson Hough · Chapter 1
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The perfect calmness with which she spoke of this extraordinary freak added to my confusion.
The Little Nugget · P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse · Chapter 1
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The same trouble and confusion would ensue that followed on the death of my noble grandfather, King Edward the Fourth.
Windsor Castle · William Harrison Ainsworth · Chapter 1
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To your further confusion, consider this monarch's industry! day and night you may detect him toiling at the task Heaven set him.
Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice · James Branch Cabell · Chapter 1