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Misinformed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misinformed

[ˌmɪsɪnˈfɔːmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

being given incorrect information

Incorrectly or badly informed.

Synonyms

erroneous, miscalculated, misled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misinformed

Use 'misinformed' when talking about a situation where someone has been given incorrect information, usually unintentionally.

  • The public was misinformed about the risks of the new medication
misled

Use 'misled' when someone has been intentionally given wrong information or been deceived.

  • The customers were misled into thinking the product was organic
miscalculated

Use 'miscalculated' when someone has made an error in calculation or judgment, usually involving numbers or measurements.

  • The engineers miscalculated the structure's load capacity, causing the failure
erroneous

Use 'erroneous' when describing information or actions that are incorrect or wrong. This word is more formal and is often used in written or professional contexts.

  • The report contained erroneous data that led to wrong conclusions

Examples of usage

  • He was misinformed about the time of the meeting.
  • Don't be misinformed by false advertising.
  • She was misinformed about the new policy.
Context #2 | Adjective

providing incorrect information

Giving false or incorrect information to someone.

Synonyms

false, inaccurate, misguided.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misinformed

Used when someone has been given incorrect information or has misunderstood certain facts.

  • He was misinformed about the event start time, so he arrived late
misguided

Used when someone's thoughts or actions are based on mistaken beliefs or lack of proper understanding. Often implies a mistaken intention rather than just incorrect information.

  • Her misguided attempt to help only made the situation worse
inaccurate

Appropriate when referring to something that is not completely correct or contains errors. It is less harsh than 'false'.

  • His report was inaccurate, as it contained several mistakes in the data
false

Used to indicate something that is untrue or not in accordance with the facts. It has a more definitive connotation compared to 'inaccurate'.

  • The rumor about her resignation turned out to be false

Examples of usage

  • The misinformed reporter spread inaccurate news.
  • The misinformed website published misleading articles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People are often misinformed due to confirmation bias, where they favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.
  • Social media can contribute to misinformation, as users frequently share unchecked facts that can quickly spread to large audiences.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals hold onto their misinformed beliefs to avoid the discomfort of admitting they were wrong.

Pop Culture

  • Misinformation has become a major plot point in many films and books, often leading characters to make poor decisions.
  • Documentaries examining misinformation highlight viral hoaxes that have influenced public perception and behavior.
  • Songs and literature sometimes comment on the dangers of believing false information, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.

Education

  • Educational programs often focus on media literacy to help students recognize and avoid being misinformed.
  • Critical thinking skills are vital in helping individuals analyze and verify the information they consume.
  • Understanding the difference between fact and opinion in texts can help prevent being misinformed about various topics.

History

  • Historical events, such as wars, have often been fueled by misinformation that was disseminated for political gain.
  • The spread of pamphlets and propaganda throughout history demonstrates how misinformation can shape public opinion.
  • In the age of mass communication, leaders have strategically used misinformation to counteract dissent or promote agendas.

Origin of 'misinformed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'misinformed' combines the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong or bad with 'informed', which means having knowledge about something.
  • It began to appear in the English language around the early 20th century, reflecting concerns about the reliability of information.
  • Similar words include 'misjudge' and 'mistake', all emphasizing the concept of getting something wrong.

The word 'misinformed' originated from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and the verb 'inform', which comes from the Latin 'informare' meaning 'to give form to'. The term has been in use since the early 19th century, evolving to describe situations where individuals are provided with incorrect or inaccurate information.

See also: disinformation, inform, informality, informally, informant, informatics, information, informative, informed, informer, informers, informing, misinform, misinformation, misinforming, uninformed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,084, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.