Word
distortion
Phoneticsdis·tor·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɔɹʃən/
UK/dɪstˈɔːʃən/
Definitions
01misrepresentation of facts
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. a change to the truth that makes people believe something that is not true.
n. the act of misrepresenting or twisting facts to create a false impression.
“The newspaper was accused of a distortion of the facts to sell more copies.”
“The report was criticized for its gross distortion of the economic data, which many argued was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public before the election.”
Synonyms
02physical change in shape
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a change in the shape of something that makes it look strange or unnatural.
n. a change in the physical shape, appearance, or configuration of an object, often resulting in a warped or twisted state.
“The heat caused a distortion in the plastic frame of the glasses.”
“The wide-angle lens created a noticeable distortion at the edges of the photograph, making the tall buildings appear to lean inward.”
Synonyms
03audio noise or effect
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music
n. a fuzzy or harsh sound in music or electronics that happens when the signal is too strong.
n. the alteration of an audio signal's waveform, typically resulting in a fuzzy or growling timbre.
“There was so much distortion on the radio that I couldn't hear the news.”
“The guitarist used a heavy distortion pedal to achieve the aggressive, gritty sound required for the track's bridge.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Symptoms generally appear later, as blurred or reduced central vision, a blind spot, distortion of straight lines and altered colour perception,” he said.” “If you look from the right angle in the right lighting, you may be able to see a bit of distortion, but you can’t really feel it while using the screen.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin distortio, distortionis, from distortus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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