falsified history; indirect writing style
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
falsified historical records; distorted accounts (by historians intentionally concealing truth)
formalA historiography term referring to the practice among ancient Chinese historians of distorting or omitting facts to avoid imperial persecution or to please those in power.
Due to the immense political pressure at the time, the historians had no choice but to use falsified records when documenting that period of history.
This historical text was criticized by later generations for lacking authenticity because it was full of distortions.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Excellent historians should write with integrity and truth, rather than using falsified records to curry favor with the powerful.
noun
indirect writing style; digression from the main topic (as a deliberate literary device)
literaryA rhetorical device in literature where the author deliberately avoids direct statement or temporarily digresses from the main subject, often to create suspense, avoid sensitive topics, or achieve artistic effect.
He used indirect phrasing in his commentary, naming no names in his criticism, but readers all understood whom he was targeting.
This novel skillfully employs indirect narrative techniques, hinting at the protagonist's fate through descriptions of secondary characters.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Faced with sensitive topics, the author had no choice but to deliberately employ digression, expressing views in the form of allegory.
While deliberate use of indirect phrasing may avoid immediate risks, it can also make the writing appear obscure and difficult to understand.