elcid  +  223403 Sun, 07 May 06 10:57 PM 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, elcid Joined on Thu, Sep 16 2004 Junior Member 87 Difference Between, Synonyms

	Marius Hancu  +  223405 Sun, 07 May 06 11:07 PM 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 ... untutored reader is apt to admit himself quite baffled -- C.D.Lewis> <the swiftness of his marches baffled alike flight and resistance -- J.A.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 Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006 Veteran Member 11,673 Difference Between

	Grammar Geek  +  223445 Mon, 08 May 06 03:05 AM 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. Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,683 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random! Difference Between

	CalifJim  +  223770 Tue, 09 May 06 03:33 AM 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 understand it." CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,447 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Difference Between

	elcid  +  224054 Tue, 09 May 06 09:07 PM  Is there any good resource on net where I can find such differences in degree for synonyms? elcid Difference Between, Synonyms