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Dilemma can mean confusion, but there is a subtle difference between the two words. A dilemma (noun) is

1. A situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two similar alternatives

2. A difficult situation. (N.B. The correctness of this second usage is disputed) Confusion (noun) is from the transitive verb 'to confuse', which means # to disconcert or perplex # to embarrass # to mistake one thing for another # to make indistinct (a matter that confuses the issue) Confusion is therefore the result of something that has created the perplexity, either some external matter, or something internal that has brought about a disordered mental state. e.g. tiredness, ill health, the effects of wrong medication, senility, etc. Confusion can also be the physical state of a crowd where there is a lot of noise and disorder.

Compare and contrast:- * When we are confused, we are unable to think clearly. * When we have a dilemma, we can think clearly, but we are facing a difficult choice/decision that has to be made. Examples:

Dilemma: 'He knew he had made a serious mistake. His dilemma was, should he tell someone, or keep quite about it and hope no-one finds out.' Confusion: 'There was chaos when the new airport opened today. In the confusion many foreign visitors entered the country without having to show their passports!' * For more information, see 'Related links' below.

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15y ago

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