Conflating

Conflating refers to the act of combining two or more distinct concepts, ideas, or things into one, often blurring the lines between them and leading to confusion or an inaccurate representation. It involves treating different entities as though they are essentially the same, even when significant differences exist. This can occur intentionally, perhaps to persuade or mislead, or unintentionally, due to a lack of understanding or careful consideration. The result of conflation is a loss of specificity and clarity, potentially hindering accurate analysis, judgment, and communication. It can also involve the improper fusion of multiple sources of information that should remain separate.

Conflating meaning with examples

• The political commentator was accused of conflating the actions of a few extremists with the entire protest movement, painting an unfairly negative picture. By ignoring the nuances within the group, he oversimplified the complex situation and misrepresented the general sentiment, thereby unfairly demonizing the larger assembly.
• In his historical analysis, the author was criticized for conflating the motivations of different groups, such as the revolutionaries and the reformists. He assumed they all pursued identical goals, failing to acknowledge the diversity of perspectives. This simplification obscured the intricacies of historical events and limited comprehension.
• During the debate on new security measures, the speaker kept conflating civil liberties with public safety, suggesting that any limitation of the former was immediately a gain for the latter. This simplistic and misleading proposition failed to acknowledge the value in balancing rights and security, and provoked backlash.
• The marketing team was warned about conflating brand identity with product features. Consumers may think their brand is known for just the performance qualities of the product, but a successful brand should communicate a larger story. A distinction needed to be made, and not diluted.