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Wrongfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wrongfully

[ˈrɒŋ.fʊli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

legal

In a wrongful manner; unjustly or unfairly.

Synonyms

illegitimately, unfairly, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wrongfully

Used when describing actions or decisions that are legally or ethically incorrect.

  • He was wrongfully accused of the crime.
  • She was wrongfully terminated from her job.
unjustly

Used when describing actions or decisions that are morally wrong or lack justice, often in a broader societal or legal context.

  • The prisoner was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit.
  • The policy was criticized for being unjustly harsh on the poor.
unfairly

Used when describing actions or situations that lack justice or equality, mostly in social or personal contexts.

  • She felt she was unfairly treated by her boss.
  • The team lost unfairly due to a biased referee.
illegitimately

Used when describing actions or situations that are not authorized by law or are against legal norms.

  • The company was found to be operating illegitimately.
  • He inherited the property through illegitimate means.

Examples of usage

  • He was wrongfully accused of theft.
  • The company was wrongfully terminated by the landlord.
Context #2 | Adverb

general

Incorrectly or inaccurately.

Synonyms

erroneously, inaccurately, incorrectly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wrongfully

Used primarily in legal or moral discussions to describe actions that are unjust, illegal, or unethical.

  • He was wrongfully accused of the crime.
  • The company was sued for wrongfully terminating employees.
incorrectly

Used broadly to indicate that something is not correct, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • The question was answered incorrectly on the test.
  • The instructions were incorrectly followed.
inaccurately

Used when specific details, facts, or measurements are not correct, often in scientific, technical, or everyday contexts.

  • The temperature was inaccurately recorded on the report.
  • His statement about the event was inaccurately paraphrased.
erroneously

Used in formal or academic contexts to describe actions or statements that contain mistakes or errors, but without moral or ethical implications.

  • The data was erroneously reported in the research paper.
  • She was erroneously identified as the suspect.

Examples of usage

  • She was wrongfully convinced that the project was due next week.
  • He wrongfully assumed that she was his friend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, actions taken wrongfully can lead to claims of torts or civil suits where damages are sought.
  • The concept of wrongful imprisonment highlights justice system flaws, where innocent people are punished unjustly.
  • Wrongful termination in employment refers to firing someone without a fair reason, showcasing labor law violations.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of wrongful acts, such as 'Les Misérables,' where characters struggle against societal injustice.
  • Shakespeare often depicted characters facing wrongful accusations or actions, such as in 'Othello' with themes of jealousy and betrayal.
  • In modern literature, wrongful actions and their repercussions are explored in genres like crime fiction and legal thrillers.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people's responses to wrongful actions can lead to feelings of anger and a desire for justice.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when individuals commit an act that is wrong, leading to distress and justification behaviors.
  • Understanding wrongful behavior is crucial in therapeutic settings, helping individuals address guilt or shame.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'wrongfully accused' is common in media, often depicted in movies and TV shows focusing on crime and justice.
  • Songs and music often express themes of wrongful love or betrayal, tapping into emotional experiences.
  • Popular documentaries and news exposés frequently highlight cases of wrongful convictions, rectifying public understanding of justice.

Origin of 'wrongfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'wrong,' which has roots in Old English 'wyrgan,' meaning to twist or harm.
  • The suffix '-fully' suggests 'full of' or 'in a manner of,' making 'wrongfully' mean 'in a manner full of wrong.'
  • It appeared in the English language around the 14th century, reflecting social justice concerns of the time.

The word 'wrongfully' originated from the Middle English word 'wrongfulli', which was a combination of 'wrong' and 'full'. It has been in use since the 14th century to describe actions or situations that are unjust, unfair, or incorrect. Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass legal contexts as well as general expressions of incorrectness or unfairness.

See also: wrongdoer, wrongdoing, wrongdoings, wronged, wrongly, wrongness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,742, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.