Misrepresent

To give a false or misleading account of something, typically unintentionally or in error, though sometimes intentionally to deceive. This action often involves distorting facts, presenting a biased perspective, or omitting crucial details, leading to an inaccurate understanding or impression. It encompasses a range of inaccuracies, from minor exaggerations to deliberate fabrications, all resulting in a departure from truth or reality. The consequence is usually that someone will perceive the matter in question in an incorrect light, be this due to naivety, inexperience or deliberate manipulation on the part of the misreporter. The core element of misrepresentation lies in the discrepancy between the information conveyed and the actual situation. The act can occur in various contexts, including advertising, legal proceedings, personal relationships, or any situation where information is exchanged and interpreted.

Misrepresent meaning with examples

• The real estate agent unintentionally *misrepresented* the condition of the house by failing to mention a persistent water leak in the basement. This omission led the buyers to make an uninformed purchase and later discover expensive repairs were necessary, which caused a dispute as the initial impression they were left with was highly inaccurate.
• During the interview, the job applicant *misrepresented* their experience with project management software. Their resume claimed they were proficient, however in reality they had only superficial familiarity, which became evident when asked to explain technical points. This damaged their credibility as well as reducing their chances of obtaining the position.
• The politician *misrepresented* the impact of the new tax policy, highlighting only the potential benefits while ignoring the potential negative consequences for lower-income families. This selective presentation of data resulted in a distorted view, causing the public to either support or oppose the policy based on an incomplete analysis.
• The company’s marketing campaign *misrepresented* the product's effectiveness by using misleading testimonials and exaggerated claims. Although the product was not totally ineffectual, its limitations and the nature of its impact were not accurately communicated to the consumers, leading to complaints and product returns.
• The witness inadvertently *misrepresented* the events leading up to the accident because of a faulty memory and stressful environment. The account was flawed in detail which could have lead to a misleading assessment of culpability on the part of the individuals who were actually at fault. This highlights the frailties of human recollection.