Words / A2

mi-STAYK/mɪˈsteɪk/

A mistake is something incorrect that you do or think. Make a mistake. By mistake = not on purpose. Error is more formal, often for systems. Wrong is the adjective. Mistake can be a verb: I mistook her for her sister.

Meaning

Something you do or think that is not correct.

Examples

• “It is a common mistake to mix these two words.”
• “I made a spelling mistake.”
• “I took his bag by mistake.”

Good to know

make a mistake. by mistake. Formal: error. adjective: wrong.

Near in meaning

error

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