Mistake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mistake
[mɪˈsteɪk ]
Definitions
error
An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong.
Synonyms
blunder, error, fault, slip-up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistake |
General term for something done incorrectly. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations.
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| error |
Technical or formal term usually used in professional or academic contexts to refer to something that deviates from what is right or expected.
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| blunder |
Used in situations where an error is made through carelessness or lack of judgment. It has a stronger negative connotation and implies a significant or noticeable error.
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| fault |
Often used when referring to a defect or imperfection in an object, system, or argument. It can also refer to accountability or responsibility for a mistake.
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| slip-up |
Informal term that typically refers to minor or accidental mistakes. It often conveys a lighter or less serious tone.
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Examples of usage
- Making a mistake is a normal part of the learning process.
- She realized her mistake and apologized immediately.
commit an error
Be wrong about.
Synonyms
confuse, misinterpret, misunderstand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistake |
Commonly used to describe an error or a wrong action that has been made. It can refer to small everyday errors or more serious faults.
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| misinterpret |
Used when someone understands something incorrectly or in the wrong way, often referring to information, messages, or signals.
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| misunderstand |
Generally used when someone fails to understand something correctly or gets the wrong idea about what someone else means. It can refer to both spoken and written communication.
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| confuse |
Often used when someone mixes up two or more things or when they find something hard to understand or follow. It implies a state of being unsure or bewildered.
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Examples of usage
- I must have mistaken you for someone else.
- Don't mistake her silence for agreement.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often view mistakes as learning opportunities, linked to the concept of growth mindset.
- Research shows that making errors can enhance problem-solving skills by fostering resilience.
- Cognitive biases can lead individuals to ignore their mistakes, impacting their decision-making abilities.
Pop Culture
- Mistakes are a common theme in many popular movies and shows, often leading to humorous or enlightening moments.
- The phrase 'to err is human, to forgive divine' highlights cultural perspectives on human imperfection.
- There are numerous social media trends encouraging the sharing of funny mistakes to create connection and laughter.
Education
- Education systems increasingly emphasize acknowledging mistakes as a vital part of learning.
- Mistakes in mathematics, for example, often lead to a deeper understanding of concepts when analyzed.
- Teachers encourage students to embrace errors in order to foster a supportive and open learning environment.
History
- Throughout history, many scientific discoveries arose from mistakes, such as penicillin by Alexander Fleming.
- Mistakes in ship navigation led to the discovery of new lands during the Age of Exploration.
- Historical figures like Thomas Edison stressed the importance of learning from failures, claiming they’re just steps to success.
Origin of 'mistake'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old French 'mistaké', meaning 'misunderstood' or 'taken wrongly'.
- It originated from the Latin 'error', which means 'to stray or wander' in its root form.
- The concept has evolved over time, reflecting a greater understanding of human fallibility.
The word 'mistake' originated from the Middle English word 'mistaken' which means 'to take in error'. The word has been in use since the 14th century and has evolved to represent errors in judgment or action. Mistakes are a common part of human experience and can serve as opportunities for growth and learning.