confuses

Confuses is the third-person singular present tense of the verb confuse. It denotes causing someone to become perplexed, uncertain, or to mistake one thing for another. The term can describe cognitive states in a person, as in "The map confuses the user," or the act of mixing up concepts, as in "The instructions confuse the issue." The phrase can also apply to situations that create ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Etymology: The verb originates from the Latin confusus, the past participle of confundere, meaning “to pour together or mingle,” via Old French and Middle English into modern English usage. The noun confusion shares the same root.

Usage and nuances: Confuses is used transitively, with a direct object referring to a person or thing that is being perplexed. Distinctions exist between confuse, mislead, and bewilder; confuse often implies mixing up distinctions or causing ambiguity, rather than intentional deception. Common structures include confuse A with B (mistaken identity or equivalence) and confuse the issue (to complicate or obscure the central point).

Examples: The diagram confuses the reader. The new policy confuses the employees. Her explanation confuses him.

Impact and related terms: Cognitive science examines how information can confuse people and hinder decision-making. Related terms include confusion (the state of being perplexed), misunderstanding, and conflation (merging two concepts into one). In computing and data contexts, confusing interfaces or inconsistent labeling can reduce usability.