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Elcid Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Difference between baffled and confused

Hi,
I am a bit confused about the difference between confused and baffled. I think they are synonyms and I may use them interchangeably. But I was reading a novel and here are some experts:

"Are you confused Ms. Rachel?", questioned Administrator.
"No, I am baffled."

Could you explain why did Rachel say she was baffled?

Thanks,
  

Top answer

In order to differentiate, I think we need to go to the definition of "baffle": ---------- 2 : something for deflecting, checking , or otherwise regulating flow ---------- thus "obstruction," which can lead to frustration (think lack of air, etc) I'd guess that "baffled" reflects much more frustration than "confused" (which indicates more of a mental mix up) -------- Baffle 2 : to defeat or check (as understanding, plans, efforts, actions) by confusing or puzzling : DISCONCERT , PERPLEX , FRUSTRATE <with postwar verse, the ... Froude> Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary --------- thus confusion can lead to bafflement:-) But I have to say they are pretty close in some circumstances.

— Marius Hancu

  • In order to differentiate, I think we need to go to the definition of "baffle": ---------- 2 : something for deflecting, checking , or otherwise regulating flow ---------- thus "obstruction," which can lead to frustration (think lack of air, etc) I'd guess that "baffled" reflects much more frustration than "confused" (which indicates more of a mental mix up) -------- Baffle 2 : to defeat or check (as understanding, plans, efforts, actions) by confusing or puzzling : DISCONCERT , PERPLEX , FRUSTRATE <with postwar verse, the ...
  • Froude> Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary --------- thus confusion can lead to bafflement:-) But I have to say they are pretty close in some circumstances.
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4 Answers
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In order to differentiate, I think we need to go to the definition of "baffle":

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2 : something for deflecting, checking, or otherwise regulating flow
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thus "obstruction," which can lead to frustration (think lack of air, etc)

I'd guess that "baffled" reflects much more f
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Baffled is much stronger.

If someone is confused, he may be able to muddle through. But if he's baffled, he doesn't even know where to start.
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Could you explain why Ms. Rachel said she was baffled?

"Are you confused Ms. Rachel?", questioned Administrator.
"No,( it's much worse that that). I am baffled."

Similar to:

"Do you need a little more help understanding it?"
"No. No amount of help will do any good. I'm at the point where I believe there is no way I will ever understa
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Is there any good resource on net where I can find such differences in degree for synonyms?
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