Spanish Conversation · Level 26
90 words
Spanish word
desconcierto
Pronunciation
IPA/deskonˈθjeɾto/
Meaning
- masculine nounconfusion
Example
La noticia causó desconcierto entre todos.
The news caused confusion among everyone.
More examples
Recibió una mirada de desconcierto.
He received a look of perplexity.
Core concept
A state of being puzzled and unsure how to respond after an unexpected event.
Common phrases
mirada de desconcierto
look of perplexity
cara de desconcierto
perplexed expression
Similar words
confusión: Lack of understanding about a situation or meaning, unable to reach a clear judgment.
sorpresa: Immediate emotional shock or astonishment triggered by something unexpected.
incertidumbre: Feeling uneasy about the future because outcomes are unknown or unpredictable.
desorientación: Losing sense of place or situational bearings and unsure which direction to take.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento o estado de confusión y perplejidad que provoca dudas sobre qué hacer o decir ante una situación inesperada.
Word origin
From Spanish des- 'lack' plus concierto 'agreement, harmony', originally meaning a lack of harmony that came to denote bewilderment.
Usage tips
- More common in written or formal speech than in casual talk, speakers often use estar desconcertado to say they are at a loss and prefer confusión or lío in relaxed conversation.
Other meanings
- perplexitynoun
- bewildermentnoun
Related words
- desconcertaciónconfusionnoun
- desconcertarconfuseverb