distortion
A distortion is a change in the shape, sound, or appearance of something that makes it look or sound strange or wrong. It also refers to the act of changing facts or truth to give a false impression of a situation.
Examples
3 of 5The old mirror caused a strange distortion of my face.
The old mirror caused a strange distortion of my face.
The report was criticized for its gross distortion of the facts.
The report was criticized for its gross distortion of the facts.
I love the heavy distortion on the guitar in this song.
I love the heavy distortion on the guitar in this song.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'tort' which means 'twist' (like a tortilla or torture). A distortion is when something is 'twisted' out of shape.
Quick Quiz
The news article was full of ______ and did not tell the whole story.
Correct!
The correct answer is: distortion
Examples
The old mirror caused a strange distortion of my face.
everydayThe old mirror caused a strange distortion of my face.
The report was criticized for its gross distortion of the facts.
formalThe report was criticized for its gross distortion of the facts.
I love the heavy distortion on the guitar in this song.
informalI love the heavy distortion on the guitar in this song.
Scientists must prevent any distortion of the data during the experiment.
academicScientists must prevent any distortion of the data during the experiment.
Subsidies can lead to a significant distortion of market prices.
businessSubsidies can lead to a significant distortion of market prices.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
harmonic distortion
harmonic distortion
a distortion of reality
a distortion of reality
optical distortion
optical distortion
Often Confused With
Contortion refers specifically to twisting the body, while distortion is more general and includes ideas and sounds.
A distraction is something that takes your attention away, whereas a distortion is a change in form or truth.
Usage Notes
Use 'distortion' when describing how something has been pulled out of its natural shape, or when information has been changed to be misleading. It is very common in technical fields like audio engineering and optics, as well as in journalism.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'distortion' to mean a simple 'change.' However, distortion almost always implies that the change is negative, ugly, or incorrect.
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'tort' which means 'twist' (like a tortilla or torture). A distortion is when something is 'twisted' out of shape.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'distortio', which comes from 'distorquere' meaning 'to twist different ways'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern music history, especially Rock, 'distortion' is considered a stylistic choice for electric guitars rather than a technical failure.
Quick Quiz
The news article was full of ______ and did not tell the whole story.
Correct!
The correct answer is: distortion
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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