What is mistaken? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of mistaken

mistakenadjective

/mɪˈsteɪk(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of mistaken

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mistaken." It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "mistaken" is divided into three syllables:

  • mis- (like "miss")
  • tak- (like "tax")
  • en (like "hen")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /mɪsˈteɪkən/

Let's break that down further:

  • /mɪs/ – Sounds like "miss". The 'i' is a short "i" sound, as in "bit".
  • /ˈteɪk/ – This is the stressed syllable. “Tak” sounds like "tax". The stress is on this syllable, which is why it's emphasized.
  • /ən/ – Sounds like "un" as in "fun". The 'a' is a short "a" sound.

3. A More Detailed Explanation (and how to say it):

  • Start with the "miss" sound. Make sure your mouth is open wide a little bit.
  • Then, transition smoothly into the "tax" sound – pronounce “tak” as if you're saying "tax" quickly.
  • Finally, add a quick, soft "un" sound – almost like you’re finishing a word that ends in "a".

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is clearly on the second syllable (“tak”). Make “tak” loudest.
  • Linking: The first and second syllables flow together – it shouldn’t be a hard break between “miss” and “tak.”
  • Don't over-emphasize the "m": The "m" in "mistake" is silent. Focus on getting the other syllables right.

Resources to Listen:

To help me give you even more specific feedback, could you tell me:

  • Are you having trouble with a particular sound (like the "t" or the "en")?
  • Can you record yourself saying the word and I can give you some personalized tips?

Usage and examples with the word mistaken in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mistaken" in English. It’s a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Describing a State of Being):

This is the most common usage. "Mistaken" describes someone who is wrong, or something that is incorrect.

  • Example 1 (Someone is mistaken): "I was mistaken about the time of the meeting. It was actually at 2 pm, not 3 pm." (Here, "mistaken" describes the state of being wrong about the time.)
  • Example 2 (Something is mistaken): "The map was mistaken; the river doesn't run that way." (The map is incorrectly drawn – it’s mistaken.)
  • Example 3: “He seemed mistaken about the rules of the game.” (Describing his state of being wrong.)

2. As a Verb (Describing the Act of Being Wrong):

"Mistaken" can also be used as a verb. It means to be wrong, to make a mistake.

  • Example 1: "You are mistaken if you think I agree with you." (You’re wrong – you’re making a mistake in your assumption.)
  • Example 2: "He mistook her for someone else." (He made a mistake in identifying her.)
  • Example 3: "Don’t be mistaken – this is a serious issue." (Don’t be wrong about this.)

3. "Mistakenly" (Adverb):

This adverb modifies the verb, indicating how something was done incorrectly.

  • Example 1: "He mistakenly filed the document in the wrong folder." (He made a mistake in the filing process.)
  • Example 2: "She mistakenly assumed he was coming." (She was wrong in her assumption – how she assumed is the key point.)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Politeness: "Mistaken" can sound a little blunt. Sometimes softening it is helpful:

    • Instead of: “You are mistaken.”
    • Try: “Perhaps you’re mistaken.” or “You might be mistaken.” This is more gentle.

  • “Mistake” vs. “Mistaken”: Pay attention to the difference.

    • Mistake: The act of making something wrong. (e.g., "He made a mistake.")
    • Mistaken: The state of being wrong, or the fact that someone has made a mistake. (e.g., "He was mistaken.")

  • “Mistook”: The past tense and past participle of "mistake," and also the past tense/participle of the verb "mistaken."

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Incorrect, wrong A mistaken belief.
Verb To be wrong, to make a mistake I mistakenly thought it was raining.
Adverb In a mistaken way He spoke mistakenly.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "mistaken"? (e.g., a conversation, writing a formal letter, etc.)

Synonyms for the word mistaken

Practice with vocabulary mistaken

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. If I'm not entirely ______, the conference call is scheduled for 10 AM GMT tomorrow.
  2. The initial analysis of the data contained a fundamental ______ that skewed the entire research outcome.
  3. She was highly competent, but her quiet demeanor was sometimes ______ for shyness or lack of confidence by her colleagues.
  4. The financial projections were significantly inaccurate, leading the board to believe some of the figures must have been ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. If my memory serves me right, the project was approved last month. Unless I'm completely _______. a) erroneous b) mistaken c) misremembering d) deluded

  2. There seems to be a significant error in these calculations; some of the figures appear to be ______. a) distorted b) mistaken c) faulty d) erroneous

  3. He was clearly ______ about the company policy regarding remote work. a) confused b) mistaken c) misinformed d) incorrect

  4. The diplomat's ambiguous statement was ______ by several news outlets, causing a minor international incident. a) misconstrued b) ignored c) dismissed d) embellished

  5. Despite careful review, a small but significant ______ was found in the budget projections. a) oversight b) discrepancy c) omission d) fault

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She thought his anger was directed at her, but he was actually upset about the project's delay.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "mistaken" or a related word form.

  2. Many people incorrectly believe that organic food is always healthier.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "mistaken" or a related word form.

  3. The report contained several inaccuracies regarding the company's financial performance.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, do not use "mistaken" or its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. mistaken
  2. error
  3. misunderstood
  4. mistaken

Exercise 2:

  1. b) mistaken, c) misremembering
  2. b) mistaken, d) erroneous
  3. b) mistaken, c) misinformed, d) incorrect
  4. a) misconstrued
  5. a) oversight, b) discrepancy, c) omission

Exercise 3:

  1. She was mistaken in thinking his anger was directed at her; he was actually upset about the project's delay.
  2. Many people are mistaken in their belief that organic food is always healthier.
  3. The report contained several errors regarding the company's financial performance.

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