adj Common

mistaken

mih-STAYKN

Mistaken (adj) means Wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief. Example: “I was mistaken about the meeting time.”

adj

Wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief.

"I was mistaken about the meeting time."

"It's a common but mistaken belief that bats are blind."

How to use mistaken

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHolding a wrong belief, or simply incorrect.

Common pairings

mistaken identity mistaken belief if I'm not mistaken

Word forms

more mistaken comparative, most mistaken superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

I was _____ about the meeting time.

Etymology

The past participle of mistake, formed with mistake plus -n.

Synonyms

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wrong incorrect erroneous misguided misinformed inaccurate

Related words

bad wrong damage evil false accurate sharp incorrect

Rhymes for mistaken

taken waken shaken weaken Kraken forsaken overtaken godforsaken

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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."

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