Mistaken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
mistaken
[mษชหsteษชkษn ]
Definitions
feeling
Wrong in one's opinion or judgment.
Synonyms
erroneous, false, incorrect, wrong.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistaken |
Used when someone holds a belief or performs an action based on a misunderstanding or lack of correct information. Often applies to opinions, views, or assumptions.
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| wrong |
A broad term that can be used in many situations. Often implies a more subjective or general error, and can have a stronger negative connotation.
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| incorrect |
A general term used to describe anything that is not right. Usually used in straightforward situations where a mistake is evident, such as answers, actions, or statements.
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| erroneous |
Appropriate in formal situations to describe information or conclusions that are based on errors or incorrect data. Often used in academic or professional contexts.
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| false |
Typically used to describe information or statements that are intentionally or unintentionally untrue. It can imply a stronger sense of inaccuracy or deceit.
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Examples of usage
- He was mistaken in his belief that she cared for him.
- I had been sadly mistaken in my assumption.
action
Be wrong about.
Synonyms
confuse, misinterpret, mix-up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistaken |
Used when someone has an incorrect belief or assumption about something.
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| confuse |
Used when someone fails to differentiate between things or doesn't understand something clearly.
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| mix-up |
Usually refers to a situation where things are mixed together by mistake, leading to confusion; often involves physical objects or arrangements.
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| misinterpret |
Used when someone incorrectly understands the meaning or intent of something.
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Examples of usage
- I mistook him for his brother.
- Don't mistake her kindness for weakness.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead us to be mistaken, such as confirmation bias, where we favor information that confirms our existing beliefs.
- The Dunning-Kruger effect explains how individuals may overestimate their knowledge, often resulting in mistaken confidence.
- Memory errors often occur when our recollections are influenced by new information, leading to mistaken beliefs.
Literature
- Shakespeare's comedies, like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', often revolve around mistaken identities leading to humorous situations.
- In classic literature, characters may suffer tragic outcomes due to mistaken judgments or misunderstandings.
- Fiction often plays on mistaken assumptions to drive plot twists and character development.
Pop Culture
- Many movies, like 'The Prince and the Showgirl', feature characters who are mistaken for someone else, adding to comedic or dramatic tension.
- Television shows frequently use the trope of mistaken identities, causing hilarious misunderstandings among characters.
- Songs often explore themes of mistaken love or miscommunication, reflecting real-life emotions and experiences.
Science
- In science, hypotheses can be mistaken interpretations of data if not carefully tested against evidence.
- Historical scientific mistakes, like early theories about spontaneous generation, showcase the importance of rigorous testing.
- Misidentifications in biology, such as mistaken species classifications, can lead to confusion in research and conservation efforts.
Origin of 'mistaken'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'mistakian', which means to take in the wrong way.
- It combines 'mis-', a prefix for wrong, with 'taken', indicating an incorrect understanding.
- The term has evolved over centuries, showing how language adapts to express errors in judgment.
The word 'mistaken' originated from the Middle English word 'mistaken', which means to take in error. It has evolved over time to its current usage in the English language. The concept of being mistaken or making a mistake is universal across cultures and has been a part of human communication for centuries.
See also: mistakenly, mistakes, unmistakable, unmistakably.