Basic Details
Word: Distort
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To change the shape, appearance, or sound of something so it is no longer accurate or true.
Synonyms: Twist, skew, alter, misrepresent
Antonyms: Clarify, straighten, preserve
Idioms and Phrases
- Distort the truth: To change facts to make them seem different from what they really are. Example: "Do not distort the truth; speak honestly about what happened."
- Beyond recognition: When something has changed so much that it is unrecognisable. Example: "The storm distorted the landscape beyond recognition, leaving the area unrecognisable."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The funhouse mirrors will distort your reflection, making you look much taller and thinner than you really are.
Example 2: Be careful when editing the photo, as it is easy to distort the colours and make them look unnatural.
Example 3: The speaker distorted the statistics to make their argument seem stronger, which is not fair.
Fun Fact
The word "distort" comes from the Latin word "distortus," which means "twisted" or "turned aside." It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe changing the shape or meaning of something.
Famous Quote
"The more you distort the truth, the more you distance yourself from reality." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "distort" mean?
a) To make something clearer
b) To change something so it is no longer accurate
c) To create something new
d) To leave something untouched
Answer: b) To change something so it is no longer accurate
2. Which of these is a synonym of "distort"?
a) Clarify
b) Alter
c) Preserve
d) Uncover
Answer: b) Alter
3. Which sentence uses "distort" correctly?
a) The artist decided to distort the lines of the painting for a unique effect.
b) She tried to distort the cakes taste with fresh ingredients.
c) The librarian was careful not to distort the books on the shelves.
d) He aims to distort his skills as a player.
Answer: a) The artist decided to distort the lines of the painting for a unique effect.
4. Which idiom means to change facts to misrepresent them?
a) Come to the truth
b) Distort the truth
c) Illusion of grandeur
d) Clear as day
Answer: b) Distort the truth
5. What is the opposite of "distort"?
a) Skew
b) Clarify
c) Twist
d) Alter
Answer: b) Clarify
