Misquotation: meaning, definitions and examples

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misquotation

 

[ ˌmɪsˈkwəʊteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

incorrect citation

A misquotation refers to an instance of quoting someone incorrectly or inaccurately, either by altering the wording or the intended meaning of the original statement. This can occur through simple errors, misunderstandings, or intentional modifications. Misquotations can lead to misinformation and misunderstandings, particularly when they are widely circulated. They highlight the importance of accurately representing someone's words to maintain integrity in communication and scholarship.

Synonyms

false quotation, inaccurate citation, misrepresentation

Examples of usage

  • The article was criticized for its misquotation of the famous writer.
  • A misquotation can significantly change the context of a statement.
  • He defended himself against accusations of misquotation.
  • Misquotation can mislead the audience about the speaker's actual views.

Translations

Translations of the word "misquotation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 citação incorreta

🇮🇳 गलत उद्धरण

🇩🇪 Fehlzitat

🇮🇩 kutipan yang salah

🇺🇦 неправильне цитування

🇵🇱 błędny cytat

🇯🇵 誤引用

🇫🇷 citation incorrecte

🇪🇸 mala cita

🇹🇷 yanlış alıntı

🇰🇷 잘못된 인용

🇸🇦 اقتباس خاطئ

🇨🇿 nesprávná citace

🇸🇰 nesprávny citát

🇨🇳 错误引述

🇸🇮 napačna citacija

🇮🇸 rangarinn tilvitnun

🇰🇿 қате дәйексөз

🇬🇪 არასწორი ციტატა

🇦🇿 səhv sitat

🇲🇽 cita incorrecta

Word origin

The word 'misquotation' is formed by combining the prefix 'mis-', which indicates an error or wrong action, with the word 'quotation', derived from the Latin 'quotatio', meaning the act of quoting. The prefix 'mis-' has Old English origins, implying a sense of incorrectness or wrongness. The usage of misquotation has intensified with the rise of social media and rapid information sharing, making it crucial to verify sources. Historically, the act of quoting has been significant in literature, debate, and rhetoric, and misquotations have often been used to manipulate or distort messages for various purposes. As discussions of authenticity and integrity have gained prominence in public discourse, the term 'misquotation' serves as a reminder of the responsibility writers and speakers bear in accurately conveying others' words.