Mistime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mistime

[mɪsˈtaɪm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

time management

Mistime refers to the act of timing something incorrectly. It typically involves making a mistake in the timing of an event, action, or response, leading to a failure or a less effective outcome. For instance, in sports, a player might mistime a jump, which could result in missing a play. In a broader context, mistiming can occur in various situations, such as business meetings or personal appointments, where the timing is crucial for success.

Synonyms

miscalculate, misestimate, misjudge.

Examples of usage

  • He mistimed his jump and missed the ball.
  • She always seems to mistime her responses in meetings.
  • The chef mistimed the baking, resulting in a burned cake.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Timing plays a crucial role in human behavior; mistiming can lead to feelings of frustration or embarrassment.
  • Cognitive psychologists study how our perception of time can lead to misjudgments in timing actions, which affects everything from sports to social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, mistakes in timing often lead to comedic situations, like characters arriving too late for a crucial moment.
  • Several popular songs discuss the theme of mistiming in love, expressing the emotional impact of not being on the same page at the right moment.

Education

  • In education, mistiming can occur in lesson delivery; teachers need to balance pacing to keep students engaged.
  • Students often face challenges with time management, leading to mistiming in completing assignments or studying for exams.

Sports

  • In sports, athletes train to perfect their timing; mistiming a jump in high jump can lead to failure.
  • Many sports emphasize the importance of timing; for example, mistiming a pitch in baseball can lead to a missed opportunity.

Origin of 'mistime'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mistime' is formed by adding 'mis-' (meaning wrong) to 'time,' which originates from the Latin 'Tempus' meaning period or season.
  • Though it might seem a modern term, 'mistime' has been in use since at least the 17th century.

The term 'mistime' is derived from the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly' and the word 'time,' which originates from the Old English 'tīma,' referring to the concept of measured time or appointed time. The combination of these elements encapsulates the idea of incorrect timing. The use of the word has evolved over time, and it has been utilized in various contexts, including sports, music, and general life situations. Mistiming can have significant consequences, and the recognition of the importance of correct timing is prevalent in many cultures and practices.