Spanish Conversation · Level 14
89 words
Spanish word
tergiversar
Pronunciation
IPA/teɾxiβeɾˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbmisrepresent
Example
Ella tergiversó mis palabras.
She misrepresented my words.
More examples
No debes tergiversar los hechos para justificarlo.
You should not distort the facts to justify it.
Core concept
Twisting words away from their original meaning.
Common phrases
tergiversar la verdad
misrepresent the truth
tergiversar los hechos
distort the facts
tergiversar las palabras
twist words
Similar words
distorsionar: Bend facts or data, altering their original shape or meaning.
malinterpretar: Misunderstand words or actions, taking them to mean something else.
manipular: Exploit people or information to steer others toward a desired reaction.
falsear: Alter or forge documents or data so they present false information.
Definition in Spanish
Presentar o explicar palabras, hechos o intenciones de forma que su sentido real quede cambiado o se dé a entender algo distinto, frecuentemente con ánimo de confundir o engañar.
Word origin
Derives from medieval Latin tergiversari (tergum 'back' + versare 'to turn'), originally denoting turning the back and then applied metaphorically to turning or distorting statements.
Usage tips
- Often collocates with 'los hechos' or 'las palabras', and in casual speech it sounds formal and accusatory.