What is mistake? Pronunciation and usage in English

mistake means . Learn how to pronounce and use mistake through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mistake

mistakenoun/verb

/mɪˈsteɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of mistake

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mistake" in English. Here's a detailed guide:

1. Syllables:

The word "mistake" is broken down into three syllables:

  • mis - (like the beginning of "miss")
  • tack - (like the word "back")
  • -te - (similar to "bet")

2. Phonetics (Sounds):

Here's a phonetic representation that helps you hear it:

  • /mɪsˈtæk/

Let's break it down further:

  • /mɪs/: This is the first syllable. "Miss" is the sound to focus on. The 'i' is a short "i" sound, like in "bit".
  • /ˈtæk/: This is the second syllable (stressed). This is the tricky part. It sounds like "tack," as in the back of your neck. It's important to emphasize this syllable.
  • /-te/: This is the final syllable. It sounds like "bet" – a short "e" sound.

3. Putting it all together – How to Say It:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to saying it smoothly:

  1. Start with "miss": Say "miss."
  2. Add "tack": Say "tack." Make sure you’re emphasizing the "tack" sound.
  3. Finish with “bet”: Say “bet”.

Putting it together, it sounds like: "Miss-tack-te"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: The second syllable ("tack") is the stressed syllable. This is where your voice will be louder and longer.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the ‘a’ in “tack”: It’s a short ‘a’ sound, not a long one like in "cat".
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. You can find recordings here:
    • Google: Search "how to pronounce mistake" on Google. You'll find audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/mistake/ (This website has pronunciations from native speakers)
    • YouTube: Search "pronounce mistake" on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more practice words to help you with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word mistake in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mistake" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As a Noun (the thing you did):

  • Definition: A mistake is an error or something done incorrectly. It’s a slip-up, a blunder, or a wrong action.
  • Examples:
    • "I made a mistake in my calculations." (Referring to the action of doing math incorrectly)
    • "It was a costly mistake to invest in that company." (Referring to a bad decision)
    • "Please forgive my mistake." (Acknowledging you did something wrong)
    • “Don’t worry, everyone makes mistakes.” (A general statement)

2. As a Verb (the act of making a mistake):

  • Definition: To make a mistake is to do something wrong or incorrectly.
  • Examples:
    • "I mistook him for my brother." (Meaning you confused him)
    • "You mistook her silence for anger." (Meaning you incorrectly interpreted her silence)
    • "He mistakes often when he’s tired." (Describing his tendency to make errors)

3. Different Shades of Meaning & Related Phrases:

  • Small Mistake/Minor Mistake: A small or unimportant error. "I just made a minor mistake in the report."
  • Serious Mistake/Significant Mistake: A major error with potentially bad consequences. "It was a serious mistake to sign that contract without reading it."
  • To make a mistake on something: Specifically, to err on a particular task or examination. “She made a mistake on the test.”
  • To take a wrong turn: "I took a wrong turn and ended up lost." (This is a very common use of "mistake" referring to direction).
  • To make a mistake about something: To be wrong about something. “I made a mistake about the meeting time.”

4. Common Phrases Using "Mistake":

  • Learn from your mistakes: A common piece of advice.
  • Don’t dwell on your mistakes: Don't spend too much time regretting them.
  • A mistake was made: (Formal) Used in reports or official contexts.
  • To be mistaken: To have a wrong idea or belief. “You are mistaken about his intentions.”

5. Tips for Using "Mistake" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "mistake" depends on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms if “mistake” feels too strong or specific: error, blunder, slip-up, fault, wrong.

Let's test your understanding. Can you rewrite these sentences using "mistake" in a relevant way?

  1. He didn't realize he had used the wrong date on the letter.
  2. She often forgets to turn off the lights.
  3. I was wrong about the weather forecast.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples?
  • Give you a quiz to test your knowledge?
  • Explain how "mistake" is used in a specific context (e.g., business, academia)?

Synonyms for the word mistake

Idioms of the word mistake

and no mistake
(old-fashioned, especially British English)used to show that you are sure about the truth of what you have just said
  • This is a strange business and no mistake.
by mistake
by accident; without intending to
  • I took your bag instead of mine by mistake.
in mistake for something
thinking that something is something else
  • Children may eat pills in mistake for sweets.
make no mistake (about something)
used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you want to warn somebody about something
  • Make no mistake (about it), this is one crisis that won’t just go away.

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