misquotation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal
Quick answer
What does “misquotation” mean?
The act of quoting someone incorrectly, or an instance of such an incorrect quote.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of quoting someone incorrectly, or an instance of such an incorrect quote.
A word, phrase, or statement that has been cited inaccurately from its original source, often leading to distortion of meaning, attribution, or context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions for the root word 'quote' are identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects, denoting an error or inaccuracy.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English, used in similar formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “misquotation” in a Sentence
[det] misquotation of [source/person]a misquotation from [work/text]the misquotation that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “misquotation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The journalist was accused of misquoting the Prime Minister.
- It is easy to misquote a source if you are not careful.
American English
- The article misquoted the scientist's findings.
- He threatened to sue the paper for misquoting him.
adverb
British English
- The passage was quoted misquotedly in several reports. (Note: extremely rare, 'inaccurately' is preferred)
- He repeated the phrase misquotedly. (Note: extremely rare)
American English
- The data was presented misquotedly. (Note: extremely rare, 'inaccurately' is preferred)
- (Adverbial use is virtually non-standard for this word.)
adjective
British English
- The misquoted line changed the entire meaning of the speech.
- They published a correction for the misquoted statistics.
American English
- The misquoted statement went viral online.
- She was upset by the misquoted interview.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in legal or compliance contexts regarding misrepresentation of statements.
Academic
Common in humanities, history, and journalism studies when discussing source accuracy.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing media errors or famous incorrect sayings.
Technical
Used in publishing, editing, and library sciences concerning citation integrity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “misquotation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “misquotation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “misquotation”
- Spelling: 'misquoteation' (incorrect, should be 'misquotation').
- Using 'misquotation' to mean a general misunderstanding, rather than specifically an incorrect *quote*.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Misquote' is primarily a verb (to quote incorrectly) and can also be a noun for an instance of this. 'Misquotation' is almost exclusively a noun, often referring to the erroneous quote itself or the act.
No, it can be either an unintentional error (e.g., a journalist's mistake) or an intentional distortion.
Strictly, no. It specifically refers to the incorrect reproduction of a direct quote. An incorrect paraphrase would be a 'misrepresentation' or 'misstatement'.
Always double-check quotes against the original source, use reliable transcripts, and cite accurately. When in doubt, paraphrase carefully and attribute the idea.
The act of quoting someone incorrectly, or an instance of such an incorrect quote.
Misquotation is usually formal in register.
Misquotation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪskwəʊˈteɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪskwoʊˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A case of misquotation”
- “To fall victim to misquotation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIS (wrong) + QUOTATION (something said). A wrong or mistaken version of what was said.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISTORTED ECHO (the original words are echoed back incorrectly).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'misquotation' MOST likely to be used?