Distortion
[dɪˈstɔːʃən]
Definitions
2 meaningsThe action of twisting or misrepresenting something from its true shape or meaning.
[dɪˈstɔːʃən]
An alteration of the original shape or form.
The funhouse mirror created a hilarious distortion of my reflection.
💡 Simply: Imagine looking in a funhouse mirror – the image isn't how you really look! Distortion is when something is twisted or changed from its normal shape or form.
👶 For kids: When something looks or sounds different than it should.
More Examples
The news report presented a distortion of the facts.
The sound system suffered from severe audio distortion.
How It's Used
"The lens produced a slight distortion of the image."
"The artist used distortion to create a sense of unease in the painting."
"Excessive gain can lead to audio distortion."
A misrepresentation of facts; a false or misleading account of something.
[dɪˈstɔːʃən]
A misrepresentation of the truth.
The politician's speech was full of distortions and half-truths.
💡 Simply: When someone tells a story that's not quite true, they are creating a distortion. It’s like they are twisting the facts to make them fit their own idea.
👶 For kids: When someone changes the truth to make it seem different.
More Examples
The propaganda campaign aimed to create a distortion of reality.
She believed the article presented a deliberate distortion of the company's financial status.
How It's Used
"The media was accused of presenting a distortion of the political situation."
"Propaganda often uses distortion to manipulate public opinion."
Idioms & expressions
a distortion of the truth
A misrepresentation of facts; a false or misleading statement.
"The article was accused of being a distortion of the truth."
From Latin *distortus*, past participle of *distorquere* ("to twist aside").
The term 'distortion' has been used since the early 17th century, initially referring to a bending or twisting of something. It later expanded to include misrepresentation and alterations of data.
Memory tip
Think of a funhouse mirror - everything is a DISTORTION of reality.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: distorquere