Definition
Confusing or perplexing, causing surprise or wonder
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Perplexing, puzzling, confusing, mystifying, befuddling, flummoxing, confounding, surprising, astonishing, stunning, shocking
Antonyms
Clear, understandable, obvious, simple, straightforward, logical, intelligible
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | confounded, confounds, confound, confounding |
| Adjective | confounding |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The confounding complexity of the mathematical equation left the students scratching their heads.
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The confounding nature of the crime scene made it difficult for detectives to piece together what had happened.
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The confounding blend of flavors in the dish perplexed the taste buds, as the initial sweetness transitioned seamlessly into a fiery heat, followed by a surprising hint of tanginess, leaving the diners pleasantly confounded by the unexpected symphony of tastes on their palates.
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The confounding number of options available to them made it hard for the couple to choose a honeymoon destination.
Usage
The adjective “confounding” describes something that is perplexing, confusing, or surprising, causing one to feel wonder or surprise. The word is often used to describe situations or experiences that are difficult to understand or navigate, and that leave one feeling surprised or astonished. The suffix “-ing” in “confounding” is used to form an adjective that describes the action of the verb “to confound”.
The word “confounding” can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing complex problems or situations to describing surprising or astonishing experiences. For example, a difficult and complex mathematical equation can be described as confounding, as can a confusing crime scene. The word can also be used to describe a surprising or unexpected event, such as an unexpected twist in a story or a shocking turn of events in a political campaign.
Confounding is often used in a negative sense, as it describes a state of confusion or surprise. However, it can also be used in a positive sense, such as when describing an experience or situation that is unexpectedly delightful or surprising. For example, a dish with a confounding variety of flavors might leave diners pleasantly surprised, while a confounding puzzle or riddle might leave one feeling delighted when finally solved.
In summary, “confounding” is an adjective used to describe situations or experiences that are perplexing, confusing, or surprising, causing one to feel wonder or surprise. The suffix “-ing” in “confounding” is used to form an adjective that describes the action of the verb “to confound”. The word can be used in a variety of contexts, and while it is often used in a negative sense, it can also be used to describe experiences that are unexpectedly delightful or surprising.