What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skew
Example
The data set was skewed to the right, indicating a positive skew. [skewed: adjective]
Example
The media's coverage of the event skewed public opinion in a certain direction. [skew: verb]
distort
Example
The reflection in the funhouse mirror distorted her face. [distorted: verb]
Example
The politician's speech distorted the facts to make himself look better. [distort: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distort is more commonly used than skew in everyday language. Distort is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while skew is more specific and often used in technical or statistical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skew and distort?
Both skew and distort can be used in formal and informal contexts, but skew is more likely to be used in technical or specialized fields, while distort is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
