Definition

The act of combining two or more different things into one, often resulting in a mixture of ideas, texts, or information.

Example

The conflation of different theories led to a new understanding of the topic.

Conversation

I was reading that article about the new book series.

Oh really? What did you think of the conflation of the characters' stories?

I found it interesting, but a bit confusing at times.

Yeah, it's like they blended too many ideas into one plot!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Conflation → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "flare" (from Latin "flare", meaning to blow or to breathe). The word "conflation" refers to the act of combining or merging two or more things together, as if blowing them into one.

Memory Tip

Think of bringing things 'together' ('con-') and 'blowing' them into one ('flare') — that's why conflation means merging different ideas or elements.

Visually Confused Words