Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Incorrect or wrong: Based on or resulting from a misunderstanding, error, or incorrect judgment.
   • Holding an incorrect belief: Characterized by being wrong in opinion, judgment, or identification.

Usage

• The adjective "mistaken" is used to describe ideas, beliefs, identities, or actions that are not correct.
• It often precedes a noun (e.g., a mistaken idea) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "are" (e.g., You are mistaken).
• It implies that an error has been made, but it is often used in a neutral or slightly formal tone.

Examples

• Before a noun:
  • He apologized for his mistaken assumption about the meeting time.
  • The police acted on a case of mistaken identity.
• After a linking verb:
  • If you think I will agree, you are mistaken.
  • I was mistaken about her intentions; she was actually trying to help.

Advanced Usage

• "to be mistaken for": to be incorrectly identified as someone or something else.
  • The rare bird is often mistaken for a more common species.
• "under a mistaken impression": believing something that is not true.
  • She was under the mistaken impression that the event was free.

Variants and Related Words

• Mistake (noun/verb): An error or blunder; to misunderstand or identify incorrectly.
  • Noun: I made a mistake in the calculation.
  • Verb: I often mistake her for her twin sister.
• Mistakenly (adverb): In a mistaken manner; wrongly.
  • The package was mistakenly delivered to my neighbor.

Synonyms

• Incorrect: Not in accordance with fact; wrong.
• Erroneous: Containing or based on error.
• False: Not according to truth or fact.
• Misguided: Resulting from faulty judgment or reasoning.

Antonyms

• Correct: Free from error; in accordance with fact or truth.
• Accurate: Correct in all details; exact.
• Right: In accordance with what is good, proper, or just; correct.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "If I'm not mistaken": Used to express that you believe what you are saying is correct.
  • If I'm not mistaken, today is your anniversary.
• "Labor under a delusion/mistaken belief": To continue to believe something that is not true.
  • He is laboring under the mistaken belief that success comes without hard work.

Adjective

1. arising from error
   • a false assumption
   • a mistaken view of the situation
2. wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment
   • well-meaning but misguided teachers
   • a mistaken belief
   • mistaken identity