Conflate

Verb

Definition: To combine (two or more sets of information, texts, ideas, etc.) into one.

Synonyms: Merge, Blend, Amalgamate

Antonyms: Separate, Divide

Examples:

The professor conflated several theories to create a new approach.
The article conflates facts and opinions without distinction.

Mnemonics:

Think of "con" as bringing things together, like a conference where different ideas are combined.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "conflate" comes from the Latin word "conflatus," which means "to blow together" or "to fuse."

Historical Usage:

The term "conflate" has been used since the 17th century to describe the act of blending or merging separate things into one.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Conflate apples and oranges"

Explanation:

Refers to mistakenly combining or comparing two things that are fundamentally different and cannot be properly compared.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "conflate" with "confuse."

Explanation:

While "conflate" can involve combining or merging information, it does not necessarily imply confusion. To conflate means to merge or blend different sets of information, while confusion implies a lack of understanding or clarity.