Misspelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misspelled

[mɪsˈspɛld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

writing error

The term 'misspelled' describes a word that has been spelled incorrectly. It refers to any deviation from the accepted spelling of a word, which may alter the meaning or lead to confusion in communication.

Synonyms

incorrectly spelled, mispelled, wrongly spelled.

Examples of usage

  • The word 'definately' is misspelled; it should be 'definitely'.
  • In the last exam, many students submitted misspelled essays.
  • Please check your letter for any misspelled words before sending it.
  • He realized he had misspelled his name on the form.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Learning to spell correctly is an important part of early education, helping children express themselves clearly.
  • Spelling tests in schools are common tools to measure progress in language skills, often leading to fun group activities.
  • Many adults continue to struggle with spelling, leading to various technology tools designed to help correct mistakes in real-time.

Technology

  • Spell checkers are built into most word processing software, automatically identifying and suggesting corrections.
  • Old-fashioned typewriters did not highlight misspellings, making it crucial for the writer to be aware of each letter’s placement.
  • With the rise of social media, quick communication often leads to deliberate misspellings, becoming a trend in online slang.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Studies show that spelling involves complex cognitive processes, linking sounds to letters in the brain.
  • Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects spelling and reading, illustrating the diverse ways people learn language.
  • Memory techniques, like phonetic spelling and visual imagery, can significantly improve spelling skills in both children and adults.

Pop Culture

  • Misspelled words often appear in humorous memes and online jokes, poking fun at common mistakes made in everyday writing.
  • Some famous books and novels include intentional misspellings to create unique character voices or whimsical themes.
  • Shows like 'The Simpsons' have episodes that address the hilarity and commonality of misspelling in a light-hearted manner.

Origin of 'misspelled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'miss' which means 'wrong or bad', with 'spelled', the past tense of 'spell'.
  • Originally, 'misspell' emerged in the 19th century, illustrating the growing importance of proper writing in education.
  • Different regions may have unique spellings due to variations in language influences, reflecting cultural differences.

The word 'misspelled' is a combination of the prefix 'miss-', which means 'wrongly' or 'incorrectly', and the past participle 'spelled', derived from the verb 'spell', meaning to write or name the letters of a word in the correct sequence. The prefix 'miss-' comes from the Old English 'missan', meaning 'to err' or 'to fail'. The verb 'spell' originates from the Old English 'spellian', which means 'to signify, talk, or relate'. The use of 'misspelled' as a term for incorrect spelling began to gain traction in English writing, particularly with the rise of standardized spelling and grammar in the 19th century. As education and literacy rates increased, the identification of misspellings became more prominent, especially in formal writing contexts. Today, the term is commonly used in both academic and casual settings to denote errors in written communication.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,938, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.