mistaken
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for mistaken, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
misinformed
Antonyms
How to use mistaken
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
mistaken identity
mistaken belief
if I'm not mistaken
Etymology
The past participle of mistake, formed with mistake plus -n.
Full origin of mistaken →Frequently asked questions
What does “mistaken” mean?
The word “mistaken” means wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief. In plain terms, holding a wrong belief, or simply incorrect.
How do you pronounce “mistaken”?
“Mistaken” is pronounced mih-STAYKN (/mɪˈsteɪkn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “mistaken” in a sentence?
Here is “mistaken” used in a sentence: “I was mistaken about the meeting time.”
What part of speech is “mistaken”?
“Mistaken” is an adjective.
Is “mistaken” a common word?
“Mistaken” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between mistaken and wrong?
Mistaken means wrong or incorrect specifically in an opinion or belief, and it usually describes an honest error, as in "I was mistaken about the date." Wrong is broader: it can describe factual error, moral fault, or unsuitability, which is why "you're mistaken" sounds softer than "you're wrong."
Is saying "you are mistaken" polite or rude?
"You are mistaken" is generally the more formal and polite way of telling someone their belief is incorrect, because it targets the belief rather than the person. It is softer than "you are wrong," though tone and context still matter.
What is the difference between "mistaken" and "mistook"?
Mistook is the simple past tense of the verb mistake, as in "I mistook her for her sister." Mistaken is the past participle, used in perfect and passive constructions and as an adjective meaning wrong or incorrect, as in "I was mistaken" or "a mistaken belief."
