Mistakes: meaning, definitions and examples
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mistakes
[mɪˈsteɪks ]
Definitions
making errors
Mistakes are incorrect actions or decisions that result in undesired outcomes. They are a natural part of the learning process and provide opportunities for growth and improvement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistakes |
General term for anything done incorrectly, can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
|
| errors |
Usually refers to technical or formal inaccuracies, often in academic, scientific, or professional settings.
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| blunders |
Used for serious mistakes often due to carelessness or ignorance, usually in more formal or serious discussions.
|
| slips |
Minor, often trivial mistakes that are made unintentionally, generally used in informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Making mistakes is a crucial part of the learning journey.
- She acknowledged her mistake and learned from it.
flaws
Mistakes can also refer to imperfections or faults in something, such as a piece of work or a design.
Synonyms
defects, flaws, imperfections.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistakes |
Used when referring to errors made by people, often in terms of actions or decisions. It can be applied in both casual and formal situations. Common in educational and professional settings.
|
| flaws |
Used to describe imperfections or issues in objects, systems, or even characters and arguments. It suggests something that has a smaller issue but is not entirely defective or entirely wrong. Fits well in discussions about quality or personal traits.
|
| imperfections |
Describes minor faults or shortcomings in objects, processes, or people. Often used in a more general and less severe context compared to 'defects.' It can indicate something that is not perfectly ideal but is still usable or acceptable.
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| defects |
Often used in the context of manufacturing, products, or physical materials. It usually refers to something that should have been functional but has a malfunction or is broken. Common in technical and industrial settings.
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Examples of usage
- The painting had a few mistakes that needed to be corrected.
- The architect fixed the mistakes in the building plans.
to make an error
To make a mistake means to perform an incorrect action or decision. It often involves unintentional errors or oversights.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mistakes |
General term for errors or incorrect actions or judgments. Suitable for everyday situations and can be used in various contexts, such as work, school, or personal life.
|
| err |
A more formal and old-fashioned way to say 'make a mistake.' It is often used in legal or literary contexts and suggests a deviation from what is correct or expected.
|
| blunder |
Refers to a serious or careless mistake, often with significant consequences. It implies a higher level of fault and is usually used in more formal or serious discussions.
|
| slip |
A minor or unintended mistake, often implying something small or insignificant. Commonly used in casual or less serious situations.
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Examples of usage
- I made a mistake in my calculations.
- She realized she had mistakenly deleted the file.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'mistake' comes from the Old Norse word 'mistaka', meaning to take something wrongly.
- Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to errors in judgment or action rather than just physical actions.
Psychology
- Making mistakes is a key part of learning; it helps the brain form new pathways essential for skill development.
- Research shows that embracing mistakes can reduce anxiety and lead to better performance in various tasks.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'to err is human' suggests that making mistakes is a natural part of being a person, frequently used in literature and speeches.
- Many popular films use the theme of mistakes leading to growth, like in 'The Pursuit of Happyness' where the protagonist learns from his failures.
Education
- Educational theories emphasize that mistakes should be seen as opportunities to grow and improve rather than just failures.
- In classrooms around the world, teachers often encourage open discussions about mistakes, fostering a growth mindset among students.
History
- Throughout history, famous inventors and leaders have made noteworthy mistakes that eventually led to significant breakthroughs.
- For instance, Albert Einstein once said that if we knew what we were doing, it would not be called research, highlighting the importance of mistakes in innovation.
Translations
Translations of the word "mistakes" in other languages:
🇵🇹 erros
🇮🇳 गलतियाँ
🇩🇪 Fehler
🇮🇩 kesalahan
🇺🇦 помилки
🇵🇱 błędy
🇯🇵 間違い (まちがい)
🇫🇷 erreurs
🇪🇸 errores
🇹🇷 hatalar
🇰🇷 실수 (sil-su)
🇸🇦 أخطاء
🇨🇿 chyby
🇸🇰 chyby
🇨🇳 错误 (cuòwù)
🇸🇮 napake
🇮🇸 villur
🇰🇿 қателіктер
🇬🇪 შეცდომები
🇦🇿 səhvlər
🇲🇽 errores