Misdescribe: meaning, definitions and examples

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misdescribe

 

[ ˌmɪs.dɪˈskraɪb ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

incorrect description

To misdescribe something means to describe it inaccurately or incorrectly. This can happen due to misunderstanding, lack of information, or intentional deception.

Synonyms

misrepresent, misstate, mistake

Examples of usage

  • The journalist misdescribed the event, causing confusion among readers.
  • She misdescribed her qualifications on the resume.
  • The report misdescribed the effects of the policy.
  • He accidentally misdescribed the product features.

Word origin

The word 'misdescribe' is formed by the prefix 'mis-' which comes from Old English 'mis-', meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly,' and the verb 'describe' which originates from the Latin word 'describere', meaning 'to write about' or 'to mark out'. The prefix 'mis-' is used in English to indicate an error or mistake, so when combined with 'describe', it denotes the action of describing something wrongly. The usage of the term has evolved over time, particularly in contexts where accurate representation is crucial, such as journalism, legal documentation, and academic writing. Misdescriptions can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and can even have serious consequences in various fields.