Fusion and confusion are two words that are spelled similarly and have similar origins but two unrelated definitions. We will look at the meanings and origins of fusion and confusion as well as some examples of their use in sentences.
Fusion means the process of joining two or more things together, the blending or melting together of two or more things. The word fusion is also used to mean nuclear fusion, a reaction in which atomic nuclei fuse, precipitating a release of energy. Another recent definition of fusion has evolved in the culinary world, meaning the blending of Western cooking techniques with Eastern cooking techniques. The word fusion is derived from the Latin word fundere which means to melt or pour. Fusion is a noun, the verb form is fuse.
Confusion means the uncertainty of understanding what is going on or what is required, a disorderly or jumbled situation, bewilderment. The word confusion is derived from the Latin word confudere which means to mingle or blend together, the prefix con- means together or with. Confusion is a noun, the verb form is confuse.
Calculations, simulations, and experimental results published in recent years suggest that Sandia’s machine could offer a quicker and cheaper path to self-sustaining fusion than other approaches that blast the fuel with lasers or trap it in reactors called tokamaks. (Science Magazine)
“Frozen defied its fairytale template by swerving into matters of sisterhood, Big Hero 6 pulled off a clever trans-Pacific cultural fusion, and this year’s excellent Zootopia was both a snappy, original comedy and a valuable primer in identity politics,” reviewer Steve Rose said. (The New Zealand Herald)
The Public Service Commission is revisiting its past advice to public servants in the wake of ongoing confusion over what type of public comments are acceptable, especially on Facebook and Twitter. (The Canberra Times)