mischaracterize

Mischaracterize is a verb meaning to describe or portray someone or something inaccurately, in a way that misstates its nature, position, or attributes. The term is formed from the prefix mis- meaning wrongly and the verb characterize, which derives from the idea of describing distinctive traits.

Mischaracterization can occur in journalism, politics, scholarship, and everyday discourse. It may be intentional, as when an opponent is portrayed as supporting policies they do not, or it may be inadvertent, resulting from misread sources, selective quoting, or shorthand labeling. It differs from a simple misstatement in that it involves portraying the overall character or stance rather than merely a single fact.

Consequences include misleading audiences, reducing trust, and hindering constructive discussion. For example, a commentator might mischaracterize a nuanced policy position as a blanket ban, or a reviewer might mischaracterize a study’s conclusions by omitting key qualifications.

In evaluating information, readers should compare portrayed claims with original sources, quotes, and supporting evidence to avoid mischaracterizations. Clear attribution, careful reading, and distinguishing between describing a position and judging it can help prevent such errors.

See also: misrepresentation, distortion, straw man.