adj
Common
mistaken
mih-STAYKN
Mistaken (adj) means Wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief. Example: “If you think the shop opens at six, you are mistaken.”
adj
1
Wrong or incorrect, especially in an opinion or belief.
"He admitted he was mistaken about the budget numbers."
"If you think the shop opens at six, you are mistaken."
"I was mistaken about the meeting time."
"It's a common but mistaken belief that bats are blind."
"I think you must be (very) much mistaken."
How to use mistaken
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHolding a wrong belief, or simply incorrect.
Common pairings
mistaken identity
mistaken belief
if I'm not mistaken
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more mistaken
- Superlative
- most mistaken
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
If you think the shop opens at six, you are _____.
Etymology
The past participle of mistake, formed with mistake plus -n.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mistaken
See all rhymes for 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."
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