Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Mistaking: meaning, definitions and examples

❌
Add to dictionary

mistaking

 

[ mɪˈsteɪkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

making an error

Mistaking refers to the act of incorrectly identifying or interpreting something. It often implies a misunderstanding or an error in judgment about a person, situation, or fact.

Synonyms

confuse, error, misinterpret

Examples of usage

  • I am mistaking her for someone else.
  • He was mistaking the facts in his argument.
  • She is mistaking kindness for weakness.
Context #2 | Verb

judging wrongly

To mistake someone or something means to believe that they are something other than what they are, usually due to lack of knowledge or clarity.

Synonyms

misapprehend, misjudge, misread

Examples of usage

  • Don't mistake my silence for agreement.
  • I mistook the address and went to the wrong house.
  • They mistook his intentions based on his appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "mistaking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confundindo

🇮🇳 ग़लती करना

🇩🇪 verwechseln

🇮🇩 salah paham

🇺🇦 плутати

🇵🇱 mylić

🇯🇵 間違える

🇫🇷 confondre

🇪🇸 confundir

🇹🇷 karıştırmak

🇰🇷 혼동하다

🇸🇦 يخلط

🇨🇿 zaměňovat

🇸🇰 mýliť

🇨🇳 混淆

🇸🇮 zamenjati

🇮🇸 rugla

🇰🇿 бұрыс түсіну

🇬🇪 შეურევა

🇦🇿 qarışdırmaq

🇲🇽 confundir

Etymology

The word 'mistake' comes from the Old Norse word 'mistaka', which means 'to take in error'. This term evolved in the Middle English period to 'mistaken', which held the same meaning of misconstruing or misunderstanding something. Over the centuries, 'mistake' became a common term in the English language, signifying an error or a misunderstanding in judgment or interpretation. The prefix 'mis-' suggests a wrong or bad action, while 'take' refers to understanding or seizing an idea, thus 'mistake' literally means to take something wrongly. This word has retained its relevance through various shifts in language, remaining integral in discussions involving judgment and comprehension.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,831, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.