Search Dictionary
Definition of mistaken

mistaken

/mɪˈsteɪ.kən/
mis · tak · en
Adverb:mistakenly
•
Past Simple:mistook
•
Past Participle:mistaken
•
Present Participle:mistaking
JUMP TO:

mistaken Lexical Profile

mistaken Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Wrong in one's opinion, judgment, or understanding.

Example

"Unless I am very much mistaken, that is the famous author sitting at the corner table."

2

Based on or resulting from a misunderstanding or faulty judgment.

Example

"The suspect was briefly detained by the police in a case of mistaken identity."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mistaken
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mistaken

• verb

1

To be wrong about or fail to recognize someone or something correctly (past participle of mistake).

Example

"Because of his casual attire, the new director had been mistaken for an intern."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mistaken
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mistaken

• Rhymes for mistaken

• Nearby Words

missy
mist
mistake
mistaken
mistakenly
mister
mistily

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'mistaken', the past participle of 'mistaken' (to take in error), which was borrowed from Old Norse 'mistaka', meaning 'to take wrongly' or 'to miscarry'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mistaken. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mistaken
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.