misrepresentation

UK: ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən | US: ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən

Definition

  1. n. the act of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something

  2. n. (law) a false statement made with the intent to deceive

Structure
mis <wrong/bad>represent <show/portray>ation <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "misrepresentation" combines three morphemes:

  1. "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrong" or "badly"),
  2. "represent" (from Latin "repraesentare," meaning "to present again" or "to portray"),
  3. "-ation" (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process).
    The term evolved in Middle English to describe the act of portraying something falsely, often with deceptive intent. The prefix "mis-" emphasizes the negative or incorrect nature of the representation, while the root "represent" retains its core meaning of depiction.
Examples

  1. The advertisement was pulled for blatant misrepresentation of the product's capabilities.

  2. Legal action was taken due to the company's misrepresentation of financial data.

  3. His speech contained a clear misrepresentation of historical facts.

  4. The contract was voided because of misrepresentation by one of the parties.

  5. Journalists must avoid misrepresentation to maintain credibility.