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Misplace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misplace

[หŒmษชsหˆpleษชs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

losing something

To put or set in an unaccustomed or improper place; mislay. To lose temporarily; mislay. To displace. To put in a place that is afterward forgotten.

Synonyms

lose, misfile, mislay.

Examples of usage

  • I seem to have misplaced my keys again.
  • She often misplaces important documents.
  • Don't misplace your trust in him.
  • I can't find my book, I must have misplaced it.
  • The shop assistant misplaced the order and it never arrived.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Misplacing items is often linked to distraction, where the mind is focused on multiple tasks.
  • Studies show that people tend to misplace items more when they are stressed or tired, affecting memory and attention.
  • The phenomenon of frequently misplacing items is sometimes referred to as 'object permanence', which is foundational in child development.

Everyday Life

  • Most adults misplace keys or phones at least once a week, making it a common daily experience.
  • Many people develop routines to keep track of belongings, such as designated spots for keys and wallets.
  • Technology now offers solutions like Bluetooth trackers to help locate misplaced items quickly.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often misplace important items, leading to comedic situations or tension in the plot.
  • Popular TV shows frequently use the trope of characters misplacing items to drive the storyline forward.
  • Misplaced items have even inspired songs about losing love or memories, intertwining the concept with emotional experiences.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters frequently misplace meaningful objects, symbolizing lost hopes or memories.
  • Contemporary authors may use misplaced items as metaphors for identity searches or life transitions.
  • Short stories often utilize the misplacement of objects to create plot twists or reveal character traits.

Origin of 'misplace'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is a combination of 'mis-' meaning wrong, and 'place' indicating location.
  • It can be traced back to Old French 'mesplacer', which also indicated incorrect positioning.
  • The prefix 'mis-' is used in many English words to show something done wrongly, like 'mistake' or 'misunderstand'.

The word 'misplace' originates from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly' and the word 'place'. It first appeared in the early 19th century and has been used to describe the act of putting something in the wrong or forgotten location ever since.

See also: anyplace, displace, displacement, everyplace, misplacement, misplacing, place, placed, placeholders, placement, placements, places, placing, placings, replace, someplace.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,541, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.