mistake
mistake Lexical Profile
mistake Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An action, decision, or judgment that is misguided, wrong, or produces an unwanted or unintentional result.
"Leaving the windows open before the thunderstorm was a costly mistake."
An error or fault in spelling, calculation, or execution resulting from carelessness, inattention, or misunderstanding of a rule.
"The editor found several grammatical mistakes in the final draft of the manuscript."
• verb
To wrongly identify someone or something as another person or thing.
"People frequently mistake the two brothers for twins because they look so alike."
To be wrong about or fail to understand the true meaning, nature, or intent of something.
"Do not mistake his quiet demeanor for a lack of confidence."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'mistake' and 'error' are often used interchangeably, 'mistake' typically implies a fault of human judgment, misunderstanding, or carelessness in everyday contexts, whereas 'error' is more formal and often refers to a measurable deviation from an established rule, standard, or calculation.
• Rhymes for mistake
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old Norse 'mistaka', meaning 'to take in error' or 'miscarry', formed from the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) and 'taka' (to take).