English vocabulary · C1
Conflate
/kənˈfleɪt/ · v.
It means to mix two different things and treat them as one.
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Example sentences
- The report conflates cost with value.
- Do not conflate one bad day with failure.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- flate — blow (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- mix (combining two different things carelessly)
- confuse (failing to distinguish between things)
- merge (two things are blended into one)
Words with the same root
flare — blow
- inflate — to blow air or value into something to make it bigger
- deflate — to let air or value out of something, making it smaller
Lesson notes
Conflate. It means to mix two different things and treat them as one. The result can hide a real difference.
Similar words are mix, confuse, and merge. Use Conflate when two ideas become one.
The report conflates cost with value. Do not conflate one bad day with failure.
Con means together. Flate means blow. To conflate is to blow two ideas together as one.