Misinformation: meaning, definitions and examples
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misinformation
[ ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n ]
spread of false information
Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread, often unintentionally, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.
Synonyms
false information, inaccurate information.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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misinformation |
Used when referring to incorrect information that is spread regardless of an intent to deceive. Often seen in casual or media discussions.
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false information |
Appropriate when discussing information that is incorrect or untrue, without specifying whether it was spread intentionally. Common in neutral or formal contexts.
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inaccurate information |
Used when information is not correct, often implying a lack of precision or detail. Suitable for technical or formal discussions.
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Examples of usage
- Misinformation about the vaccine spread quickly on social media.
- The government warned about the dangers of misinformation during the crisis.
incorrect details
Misinformation can also refer to incorrect details or facts that are shared, causing people to be misinformed about a particular topic.
Synonyms
false facts, incorrect details.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
misinformation |
Misinformation is often used when talking about incorrect or misleading information that is spread without the intention to deceive. It is useful in contexts involving social media, news, or public announcements.
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incorrect details |
Incorrect details are typically small pieces of information within a larger context that are wrong. This term is often used in formal or detailed reports and does not necessarily imply any intent to deceive.
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false facts |
False facts is used to describe information that is presented as true but is actually incorrect. This term carries a slightly negative connotation as it implies an attempt to make false information look legitimate.
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Examples of usage
- The article was filled with misinformation about the company's financial situation.
- It's important to fact-check before spreading misinformation.
Translations
Translations of the word "misinformation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desinformação
🇮🇳 गलत जानकारी
🇩🇪 Fehlinformation
🇮🇩 informasi yang salah
🇺🇦 дезінформація
🇵🇱 dezinformacja
🇯🇵 誤報
🇫🇷 désinformation
🇪🇸 desinformación
🇹🇷 yanlış bilgi
🇰🇷 잘못된 정보
🇸🇦 معلومات مضللة
🇨🇿 dezinformace
🇸🇰 dezinformácia
🇨🇳 误导信息
🇸🇮 dezinformacija
🇮🇸 rangar upplýsingar
🇰🇿 дезинформация
🇬🇪 დეზინფორმაცია
🇦🇿 dezinformasiya
🇲🇽 desinformación
Etymology
The term 'misinformation' originated in the late 1500s, combining 'mis-' (meaning 'wrongly') with 'information'. It has become increasingly relevant in the digital age, with the rapid spread of false information through social media and online platforms.
See also: disinformation, inform, informality, informally, informant, informatics, information, informative, informed, informer, informers, informing, misinform, misinformed, misinforming, uninformed.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,861, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 21858 remonstrated
- 21859 scold
- 21860 bactericidal
- 21861 misinformation
- 21862 greedily
- 21863 stuffy
- 21864 orienting
- ...