What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contorted
Example
The contorted branches of the tree made it difficult to climb. [contorted: adjective]
Example
He contorted his body to fit through the narrow opening. [contorted: verb]
Example
Her face was contorted with pain as she tried to stand up. [contorted: adjective]
distorted
Example
The artist distorted the image to create a surreal effect. [distorted: verb]
Example
The sound was distorted by the loud background noise. [distorted: adjective]
Example
His memory of the event was distorted by his personal biases. [distorted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distorted is more commonly used than contorted in everyday language. Distorted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contorted is less common and refers to a specific physical shape or position.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contorted and distorted?
Both contorted and distorted are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical writing. However, distorted is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
