adjective
Uncommon
distorted
dihs-TAW-tihd
Distorted (adjective) means Twisted out of its normal or natural shape. Example: “The mirror gave a distorted reflection of the room.”
adjective
1
Twisted out of its normal or natural shape.
"The mirror gave a distorted reflection of the room."
"Her account of events was badly distorted."
"The old speaker produced distorted sound whenever the volume went up."
How to use distorted
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWarped or misshapen — either physically or in the sense of being an inaccurate version of the truth.
Common pairings
distorted view
distorted image
distorted sound
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more distorted
- Superlative
- most distorted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mirror gave a _____ reflection of the room.
Related words
Rhymes for distorted
See all rhymes for distorted →Frequently asked questions
What does “distorted” mean?
The word “distorted” means twisted out of its normal or natural shape. In plain terms, warped or misshapen — either physically or in the sense of being an inaccurate version of the truth.
How do you pronounce “distorted”?
“Distorted” is pronounced dihs-TAW-tihd (/dɪsˈtɔɹtɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “distorted” in a sentence?
Here is “distorted” used in a sentence: “The mirror gave a distorted reflection of the room.”
What part of speech is “distorted”?
“Distorted” is an adjective.
Is “distorted” a common word?
“Distorted” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between distorted and warped?
Distorted and warped both describe something twisted out of its normal shape, and the two words are often interchangeable, as in "a distorted image" or "a warped image." Distorted is more commonly used for sound, information, or perception, while warped is often used for physical materials like wood or metal.
Can distorted describe things other than physical shape?
Yes, distorted is frequently used to describe non-physical things such as facts, perceptions, or memories that have been twisted away from the truth, as in "a distorted view of history." It can also describe sound that has been altered from its original, clear form.
Is distorted a technical term in audio or photography?
Yes, in audio and photography, distorted describes sound or images that have been altered from their natural form, often unintentionally due to equipment limitations, though sometimes deliberately for creative effect. A distorted electric guitar sound, for example, is intentionally shaped this way.
