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Misspell: meaning, definitions and examples

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misspell

 

[ˌmɪsˈspɛl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

writing issue

To misspell means to spell a word incorrectly. It can refer to any error in the spelling of a word, whether it be a transposition of letters, the omission of letters, or adding incorrect ones. Misspelling can occur in informal contexts, such as texting or casual writing, as well as formal writing, like essays or business communications. Misspelled words can undermine the clarity and professionalism of the text, which is why spell-check tools are commonly used in writing applications.

Synonyms

blunder, error, mistype.

Examples of usage

  • I always misspell 'definitely' as 'definately'.
  • It's easy to misspell names if you're not familiar with them.
  • She tends to misspell common words when she's in a hurry.
  • He was embarrassed to find he had misspelled the title of his speech.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'misspell' comes from the prefix 'mis-', meaning wrong or bad, combined with 'spell', which refers to forming words.
  • Historically, it was first recorded in the English language in the late 19th century, illustrating how writing and language evolved.

Education

  • Spelling errors can significantly impact grades, as they reflect a person's understanding of language and communication.
  • Learning to spell correctly often involves phonetics, where sound patterns help determine how words are written.

Psychology

  • When people misspell words, it can reveal cognitive processes at play, as spelling involves memory, perception, and language skills.
  • Educational psychologists suggest that spelling difficulties can highlight areas of struggles in language processing for some learners.

Technology

  • Spell checkers in word processors were developed to help users catch and correct errors, showing the impact of technology on writing.
  • Some AI language models are trained specifically to identify and suggest corrections for misspellings, enhancing digital communication.

Pop Culture

  • Various books and movies highlight characters who struggle with spelling, making it a relatable topic for many audiences.
  • Spelling bees, popular in schools, showcase impressive skills and highlight the importance of accurate spelling in a fun competitive format.

Translations

Translations of the word "misspell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escrever errado

🇮🇳 गलत लिखना

🇩🇪 falsch schreiben

🇮🇩 salah mengeja

🇺🇦 неправильно написати

🇵🇱 źle pisać

🇯🇵 誤って書く

🇫🇷 mal écrire

🇪🇸 escribir mal

🇹🇷 yanlış yazmak

🇰🇷 잘못 쓰다

🇸🇦 يخطئ في الكتابة

🇨🇿 špatně napsat

🇸🇰 zle napísať

🇨🇳 拼写错误

🇸🇮 narobe napisati

🇮🇸 röng skrifa

🇰🇿 қате жазу

🇬🇪 არასწორად წერა

🇦🇿 səhv yazmaq

🇲🇽 escribir mal

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,913, 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.