Verb
/teɾɡiβeɾˈsaɾ/
"Tergiversar" is a verb used primarily in contexts related to law and general discussions, referring to the act of distorting or twisting the truth, often for deceptive purposes. It can also imply evading a question or issue by changing the focus away from the original point.
The frequency of use is moderate in both oral and written contexts, particularly in legal discussions, debates, or when discussing moral and ethical implications in various situations.
The lawyer tried to distort the facts to benefit his client.
No es bueno tergiversar la verdad, aunque sea tentador.
It is not good to mislead the truth, even if it is tempting.
Ella siempre tergiversa los argumentos de los demás en las discusiones.
While "tergiversar" itself is not commonly part of many idiomatic expressions, it can be used in phrases to convey a similar theme of distortion or misrepresentation.
We cannot allow the facts to be distorted; the truth must prevail.
Su habilidad para tergiversar la situación ha causado muchos problemas en el grupo.
His ability to mislead the situation has caused many problems in the group.
Es fácil tergiversar las palabras de alguien a través de un malentendido.
It is easy to distort someone's words through a misunderstanding.
Cuando se tergiversa la información, todos pierden la confianza.
When information is distorted, everyone loses trust.
La prensa a veces tergiversa los comentarios de los políticos.
The word "tergiversar" comes from the Latin "tergiversari," which means "to turn aside" or "to avoid." It is formed by the prefix "ter-" (meaning "to" or "toward") and "giversari" (which is derived from "giversum," meaning "to turn").