What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malformed
Example
The malformed tree had a twisted trunk and branches. [malformed: adjective]
Example
The baby was born with a malformed hand. [malformed: adjective]
distorted
Example
The reflection in the funhouse mirror was distorted and made her look wider than she was. [distorted: adjective]
Example
The politician's words were distorted by the media to create a false narrative. [distorted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distorted is more commonly used than malformed in everyday language. Distorted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while malformed is less common and typically used in more technical or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malformed and distorted?
Both malformed and distorted can be used in formal or informal contexts, but malformed may be more commonly used in technical or medical writing, while distorted may be more commonly used in creative or critical writing.
