Garble: meaning, definitions and examples
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garble
[ˈɡɑːr.bəl ]
Definition
communication error
To garble means to alter or distort something in a way that makes it unintelligible or difficult to understand. This often happens in communication when information is inaccurately relayed or misrepresented. It can occur during speech, writing, or even the transmission of data. In essence, when something is garbled, the original meaning is obscured. The term is often used in the context of phone calls, radio transmissions, or even in the editing of text.
Synonyms
confuse, distort, jumble, muddle.
Examples of usage
- The message got garbled during the transmission.
- His explanation was so garbled that no one understood.
- The audio quality was poor, leading to garbled voices.
- Don't garble your words when speaking in public.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'garbler,' which meant to sift or filter, originally referring to the process of removing impurities from grain.
- In medieval times, it also referred to the act of taking out bad or unwanted parts, leading to its modern meaning of mixing things up.
Communication
- Miscommunication can occur when information is garbled, especially over poor phone lines or if someone is speaking too fast.
- In the digital age, garbled texts can lead to misunderstandings in messaging apps, showing the importance of clarity.
Pop Culture
- In cartoons, characters often garble their speech for comedic effect, making it clear that what they say is silly or confusing.
- Famous movies sometimes feature hilarious scenes where characters garble their words due to magical spells or miscommunications.
Psychology
- Research shows that when people are tired or stressed, they may garble their words more often, affecting how their thoughts are communicated.
- Real-life examples from public speaking highlight how anxiety can lead to garbled speech, impacting the audience's understanding.
Literature
- Writers sometimes use garble intentionally to represent a character who is confused or disoriented, adding depth to storytelling.
- In poetry, garbled language can create unique rhythms or sounds, emphasizing chaos or emotion in a piece.
Translations
Translations of the word "garble" in other languages:
🇵🇹 confundir
- distorcer
- embaralhar
🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना
🇩🇪 verzerren
🇮🇩 mengacaukan
🇺🇦 сплутувати
- викривляти
- заплутувати
🇵🇱 zniekształcać
🇯🇵 混乱させる
🇫🇷 déformer
🇪🇸 distorsionar
🇹🇷 bozmak
🇰🇷 왜곡하다
🇸🇦 تشويش
🇨🇿 zkreslit
🇸🇰 skresliť
🇨🇳 扭曲
🇸🇮 zviti
🇮🇸 snúast
🇰🇿 бұзуға
🇬🇪 დასუსტება
🇦🇿 qarışdırmaq
🇲🇽 confundir