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Misinformation: meaning, definitions and examples

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misinformation

 

[ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
misinformation

Used when referring to incorrect information that is spread regardless of an intent to deceive. Often seen in casual or media discussions.

  • There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the new health policy
false information

Appropriate when discussing information that is incorrect or untrue, without specifying whether it was spread intentionally. Common in neutral or formal contexts.

  • The report contained false information that needed to be corrected immediately
inaccurate information

Used when information is not correct, often implying a lack of precision or detail. Suitable for technical or formal discussions.

  • The chart contains inaccurate information, and revisions are required before the presentation

Examples of usage

  • Misinformation about the vaccine spread quickly on social media.
  • The government warned about the dangers of misinformation during the crisis.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

arrow down
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.

  • The social media platform is working to reduce the spread of misinformation about health
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.

  • The report was mostly accurate, but it contained some incorrect details about the company's financial history
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.

  • The article was criticized for including several false facts about the politician's career

Examples of usage

  • The article was filled with misinformation about the company's financial situation.
  • It's important to fact-check before spreading misinformation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'mis-' meaning wrong, and 'information,' showing it directly refers to incorrect facts.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the 20th century, as the spread of news and media increased.

Historical Origins

  • During World War II, misinformation was used as a strategy by various governments to mislead opponents.
  • In the late 20th century, the rise of the internet amplified the spread of misinformation through rapid sharing on social media platforms.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often remember false information as true, particularly when it aligns with their beliefs.
  • Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, make it likely for someone to accept misinformation if it supports their own views.

Communication

  • Journalistic integrity is crucial in combatting misinformation, emphasizing the need for fact-checking and responsible reporting.
  • The dynamics of how misinformation spreads resemble viral phenomena, relying on social connections and trust among individuals.

Pop Culture

  • Films and documentaries often explore the impact of misinformation, highlighting its effects on society and democracy.
  • Pop music and art have also addressed misinformation, illustrating public concern and the desire for truth in relatable formats.

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

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.