1
Baffle an observer
Leave someone unable to understand an unexpected result or difficult problem.
Example
The unexpected result continued to confound researchers because no existing model could explain it.
confound
/kənˈfaʊnd/ · kuhn-FOUNDverb
To confuse, baffle, or prevent a clear explanation.
Use confound when a result, puzzle, or close similarity leaves people unable to understand, predict, or distinguish something.
What confound Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Defeat expectations
Produce an outcome contrary to what a prediction, assumption, or pattern suggests.
Example
The species confounded expectations by thriving in the altered habitat.
3
Confuse two things
Mistake one person, category, or cause for another because the distinction is unclear.
Example
The two nearly identical labels can confound inexperienced users.
Use confound Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The two nearly identical labels can confound inexperienced users.
The result confounded researchers who expected a steady decline.
The discovery confounded the assumption that the region had remained uninhabited.
Precision Matters
Confound overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
confound
vs.Often implies deep puzzlement or failure of an explanation.
confuse
Broadly means make someone uncertain or unable to think clearly.
confound
vs.Can defeat a prediction or explanatory model.
perplex
Primarily means cause someone to feel puzzled.
confound
vs.May surprise without directly opposing a stated claim.
contradict
Directly asserts or demonstrates the opposite of something.
confound
vs.Can mean baffle as well as mix up categories.
conflate
Specifically combines two distinct things as though they were one.
Test confound in Context
The result leaves analysts baffled and unable to distinguish between the models.
1
Two rival models predicted nearly identical outcomes under every tested condition, a result that continued to ___ analysts trying to determine which model was more accurate.