Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be wrong, inappropriate, or out of place: Indicates that something is not correct, suitable, or as it should be. It often suggests a sense of something being faulty or not functioning properly.
   • To be missing or lacking: Can imply that something expected or required is absent.

Usage

• The phrase "be amiss" is typically used in formal or literary contexts. It is often found in negative constructions (e.g., "not be amiss," "would not be amiss") to suggest that something would be appropriate or welcome. It can also be used in questions (e.g., "Is something amiss?") or statements to indicate that something is wrong.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Something is amiss with the engine; it's making a strange noise. (This indicates something is wrong or faulty with the engine.)
  • A word of thanks would not be amiss after all their help. (This suggests a word of thanks would be appropriate or fitting.)
  • He sensed that something was amiss in the account of events. (This means he felt something was incorrect or inconsistent in the story.)

Advanced Usage

• "not come amiss" / "would not be amiss": Used to politely suggest that something would be acceptable or even desirable.
  • A little extra funding would not come amiss for this project.
• "if anything is amiss": Used to set a condition concerning something being wrong.
  • Please call me immediately if anything is amiss.

Variants and Related Words

• Amiss (adverb): Wrongly, inappropriately, or in a faulty manner.
  • He took my words amiss and was offended. (He interpreted my words incorrectly.)
• Amiss (adjective): (Predicative only) Wrong or out of order. (Note: This use is less common than the verb phrase.)
  • Is something amiss? (Is something wrong?)

Synonyms

• Be wrong: To be incorrect or mistaken.
• Be out of order: To not be functioning correctly.
• Be awry: To go wrong or be off the expected course.

Related Phrases

• Go amiss: To fail or turn out badly.
  • I hope nothing goes amiss during the presentation.
• Take something amiss: To misinterpret or be offended by something.
  • I hope you won't take my advice amiss; I only mean to help.

Verb

1. interpret in the wrong way
   • Don't misinterpret my comments as criticism
   • She misconstrued my remarks