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Distorting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distorting

[dษชหˆstษ”หtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To change something such as an image, sound, or piece of information so that it is no longer clear or true.

Synonyms

alter, manipulate, misrepresent, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misrepresent

Used when providing a false or misleading representation of something. Often used in a negative context.

  • The advertisement misrepresented the product's capabilities.
  • The witness was found to have misrepresented the facts of the case.
alter

Used when making small changes to something without completely changing its nature.

  • She had to alter her dress for the wedding.
  • The chef decided to alter the recipe slightly.
twist

Commonly used when something is bent or turned into a different shape, or in a figurative sense to change the meaning of something to suit one's needs. Often negative.

  • He twisted the wire into a loop.
  • The media often twists his words.
manipulate

Refers to skillfully handling, controlling, or using something or someone to achieve a specific result, often with a negative connotation of deceit.

  • He tried to manipulate his way to the top of the company.
  • The politician was accused of manipulating public opinion.

Examples of usage

  • He accused the media of distorting the truth.
  • The music was distorted by the loud noise.
  • The video was distorted by the poor quality of the recording.
Context #2 | Verb

shape

To twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition.

Synonyms

contort, deform, mangle, warp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distorting

Used when something is twisted or changed from its original form or meaning, often giving a false impression.

  • The media is distorting the truth about the incident.
  • His face was distorting in pain.
deform

Implies an alteration in shape due to some sort of force or pressure, often leading to a less attractive or functional form.

  • The metal bar deformed under the intense heat.
  • Children born with birth defects may have deformed limbs.
mangle

Means to severely damage or disfigure something by cutting, tearing, or crushing. Often has a violent or negative connotation.

  • The car was mangled in the accident.
  • He mangled the story in his retelling.
contort

Refers to twisting or bending something out of its normal shape, especially in an unnatural or strained manner.

  • Her face contorted with rage.
  • The gymnast's body contorted into an unbelievable position.
warp

Indicates bending or twisting out of shape, especially due to heat or moisture. It can also refer to a change in thought or behavior.

  • The wooden door warped due to excessive humidity.
  • His views on the world had become warped after years of isolation.

Examples of usage

  • The heat distorted the plastic.
  • The painting was distorted by the water damage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive distortion is a term in therapy where one's understanding of reality can be altered, leading to negative thoughts.
  • Distorting facts can affect how people perceive events or experiences, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or conflict.
  • Psychological studies show that our memories can distort over time, making them feel less accurate.

Art

  • In visual arts, distorting can convey emotions or concepts, as seen in cubism where shapes are altered for impact.
  • Artists like Salvador Dalรญ used distortion in surrealism to challenge perceptions of reality.
  • Distortion in photography can create unique effects, often used to evoke a specific feeling or theme.

Technology

  • Audio distortion can occur in music and sound equipment when signals are altered, creating unique or harsh tones.
  • Image distortion in video games can create immersive experiences, making environments feel more dynamic.
  • Graphics processing technology uses various distortion techniques to enhance visual storytelling.

Literature

  • Many novels explore themes of distortion, where characters perceive reality differently, leading to dramatic tension.
  • In poetry, distortion of language can create new meanings, making readers rethink common phrases.
  • Authors like George Orwell use distortion in political contexts to show how language can manipulate truth.

Origin of 'distorting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'distortus', meaning 'twisted' or 'crooked'.
  • In the 15th century, the term began to be used in English to describe both physical and figurative twisting or changing.
  • Etymologically, 'dis-' signifies a negative or opposite, while 'tort' means to twist.

The word 'distort' originated from the Latin word 'distortus', which means 'twisted apart'. The concept of distortion has been present throughout history, as people have always been capable of altering or misrepresenting information. The word has evolved over time to encompass a variety of meanings, from physical deformation to the manipulation of facts or images. In modern times, the term is commonly used in fields such as media, technology, and art to describe the alteration of content.

See also: distorted, distorter, distortion.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,190, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.