Misconception: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：wrong idea (misconception)

misconception 🔊

/ˌmɪskənˈsɛpʃn/

A wrong idea about something that is not true.

Misconception illustrated: person realizing a wrong signpost versus a correct one at a crossroads.

wrong idea 🔊

➕

/ˈrɒŋ aɪˈdɪə/

A belief or understanding about something that is incorrect or based on faulty information.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Prefix 'mis-' (wrong) + root 'concept' (idea) + suffix '-ion' (state/result). Literally 'a wrong concept'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: A MISplaced CONCEPTION. Your brain has the wrong CONCEPT, or idea, so it's a MIS-conception.

📖 Example

A common misconception is that lifting weights will make you bulky; in fact, it's a great way to get lean and strong. 🔊 A common wrong idea is that lifting weights will make you bulky; in fact, it's a great way to get lean and strong.

🔗 Collocations

common misconception – a widely held but incorrect belief

widespread misconception – a false idea held by many people

correct a misconception – to provide accurate information that fixes a wrong belief

🔄 Synonyms

fallacy (n.) – a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument

misunderstanding (n.) – a failure to understand something correctly

false belief (n.) – an idea that is not true

🚫 Antonyms

truth (n.) – that which is in accordance with fact or reality

reality (n.) – the state of things as they actually exist

🌱 Derivatives

misconceive (v.) – to form a wrong idea or understanding about something

misconceived (adj.) – badly planned or judged because of a faulty understanding

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from the Latin 'misconceptio' (a false idea), formed from 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'conceptio' (conception, idea). It entered English in the 16th century, reflecting the era's growing focus on logical reasoning and the need to distinguish correct ideas from false ones.