Mistake Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：an error or fault (mistake)

mistake 🔊

/mɪˈsteɪk/

Something you do, say, or think that is not right or correct.

Student reviewing a circled mistake on a math test paper

an error or fault 🔊

➕

/ən ˈɛrər ɔːr fɔːlt/

An action, statement, or judgment that is incorrect or misguided.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Old Norse 'mistaka': 'mis-' (wrongly) + 'taka' (to take).

💡 Mnemonic

When you 'mis-take' something, you take it wrongly. Imagine taking a wrong step.

📖 Example

He realized he had made a simple calculation mistake on his math test, which made him very frustrated. 🔊 He realized he had made a simple calculation mistake on his math test, which made him very frustrated.

🔗 Collocations

make a mistake – to commit an error

common mistake – an error frequently made

mistake in judgment – an error in decision-making

🔄 Synonyms

error (n.) – an unintentional deviation from truth or accuracy

fault (n.) – an imperfection or defect, often causing error

blunder (n.) – a serious or foolish mistake caused by carelessness

🚫 Antonyms

correction (n.) – the action of making something right or accurate

accuracy (n.) – the quality of being correct and precise

perfection (n.) – the condition of being flawlessly correct

🌱 Derivatives

mistaken (adj.) – wrong in opinion or judgment

mistakenly (adv.) – in a wrong manner; by mistake

mistaking (n.) – the act of making an error or misunderstanding

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Old Norse, originally meaning 'to take wrongly'. It has been used since the 13th century to describe errors in action or judgment.