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Misrepresentation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misrepresentation

[หŒmษชsrษ›prษชzษ›nหˆteษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Misrepresentation is a false statement of fact made by one party to another party, which has the effect of inducing that party into the contract. The misrepresentation must be material, meaning it must be significant enough to influence the decision of the misled party. There are three types of misrepresentation: fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and innocent misrepresentation.

Synonyms

deception, false statement, untruth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misrepresentation

Used when someone provides an inaccurate account or impression, often in legal, business or formal contexts.

  • The company's misrepresentation of its earnings led to a lawsuit.
  • He was accused of misrepresentation in his job application.
false statement

Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe a statement that is not true, without necessarily implying deliberate intention to deceive.

  • He was charged with making a false statement to the police.
  • The witness was caught giving a false statement during the trial.
deception

Implies a deliberate act to mislead others, often with harmful intentions. Commonly used when discussing fraud or trickery.

  • Her deception was uncovered when the real documents were found.
  • The magician's act involved a lot of skill and deception.
untruth

Informally used to describe any statement that is not true. It can be less severe than 'deception' and doesn't always imply intentional dishonesty.

  • It's frustrating when people spread untruths on social media.
  • He told an untruth to avoid hurting her feelings.

Examples of usage

  • The seller's misrepresentation about the condition of the car led to the buyer paying more than it was worth.
  • Her misrepresentation of her qualifications on her resume cost her the job.
  • The misrepresentation of the product's ingredients on the label resulted in a lawsuit against the company.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • Misrepresentation can make contracts void if one party acted on false claims.
  • There are different types, including 'fraudulent', 'negligent', and 'innocent'โ€”each with specific legal implications.
  • Indicators include exaggeration or concealing important facts, impacting the trust in agreements.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can lead individuals to misrepresent facts unknowingly, often due to personal beliefs.
  • Group dynamics influence how people present information, sometimes skewing it for acceptance.
  • Consequences of misrepresentation can include mistrust and conflict in personal and professional relationships.

Media

  • Sensationalism in headlines can lead to misrepresentation of news events, affecting public perception.
  • Social media platforms are often criticized for promoting misrepresented narratives, influencing opinions without full context.
  • Fact-checking organizations play a vital role in combating misinformation and misrepresentation in the digital age.

Literature

  • Authors often explore themes of misrepresentation to highlight character flaws or societal issues.
  • Classic works delve into misunderstandings that arise from misrepresentation, leading to dramatic irony.
  • Literary devices like unreliable narrators can create a compelling narrative yet mislead the reader.

Origin of 'misrepresentation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong, and 'representation', which means showing or describing something.
  • Originally, the term emerged during the 19th century, as legal language started to evolve.
  • In law, it specifically refers to giving false information about something.

The word 'misrepresentation' originated from the Latin word 'misrepresentatio', which means 'false statement'. The concept of misrepresentation has long been a part of legal systems around the world, dating back to ancient times. In contract law, misrepresentation plays a crucial role in determining the validity and enforceability of agreements. Understanding the implications of misrepresentation is essential for both individuals and businesses to avoid legal disputes and ensure fair dealings.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,869, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.