  In the framework of scalar-tensor theories of gravity, we construct a new
kind of cosmological model that conflates inflation and ekpyrosis. During a
phase of conflation, the universe undergoes accelerated expansion, but with
crucial differences compared to ordinary inflation. In particular, the
potential energy is negative, which is of interest for supergravity and string
theory where both negative potentials and the required scalar-tensor couplings
are rather natural. A distinguishing feature of the model is that, for a large
parameter range, it does not significantly amplify adiabatic scalar and tensor
fluctuations, and in particular does not lead to eternal inflation and the
associated infinities. We also show how density fluctuations in accord with
current observations may be generated by adding a second scalar field to the
model. Conflation may be viewed as complementary to the recently proposed
anamorphic universe of Ijjas and Steinhardt.
