conflating

Conflating is the act of treating two or more distinct concepts, issues, or entities as if they are the same. The term derives from Latin conflāre, “to blow together,” and entered English via conflation as the blending of separate ideas into a single entity. Conflation can be intentional, used rhetorically to simplify complex topics, or unintentional, arising from vague language, cognitive biases, or insufficient analysis.

Common forms include conflating correlation with causation, conflating a policy with its proponents, or equating a symptom with an underlying condition. In public discourse, such conflations can distort debates by masking relevant differences, creating false equivalences, or steering attention away from important distinctions.

Conflation is distinct from mere misunderstanding or ambiguity; it is a specific blurring that assigns a single label to multiple distinct things. Critics warn that excessive conflation erodes precision in science and journalism and can underpin misleading arguments.

To avoid conflation, speakers and writers should define terms clearly, distinguish between related concepts, provide evidence for links, and check whether similarities suffice to justify lumping items together. When possible, they should use comparative language, specify contexts, and acknowledge differences before drawing conclusions.