misspeak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, political
Quick answer
What does “misspeak” mean?
To speak or express oneself incorrectly, unclearly, or misleadingly, especially in a formal or public context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To speak or express oneself incorrectly, unclearly, or misleadingly, especially in a formal or public context.
To make an unintended verbal error, often resulting in a factual mistake, faux pas, or the conveyance of an unintended meaning; sometimes used euphemistically for telling an untruth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. American English has a slightly higher frequency, particularly in political journalism.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries a formal or defensive connotation. In US political discourse, it is a recognized term for a public figure's verbal gaffe.
Frequency
More common in American English, especially in media reporting on politics or public statements.
Grammar
How to Use “misspeak” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] misspoke (about [TOPIC])[SUBJECT] has misspokenIt was a case of misspeaking.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “misspeak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister later clarified that he had misspoken about the policy's start date.
- I must apologise if I appeared to misspeak during the interview.
American English
- The senator acknowledged she misspoke when citing the unemployment figure.
- He tends to misspeak under intense pressure from reporters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in very formal apologies for misstatements in earnings reports or official communications.
Academic
Very rare in technical writing. Could appear in linguistics or political science discussing speech errors.
Everyday
Uncommon. Typically replaced by 'said it wrong', 'got my words mixed up', or 'made a mistake'.
Technical
Primarily in media/political analysis as a term of art for public verbal errors.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “misspeak”
- Using it for minor, casual speech errors (overly formal).
- Confusing it with 'mispeak' (non-standard spelling).
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a misspeak'); the noun is 'misstatement'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Its core meaning implies an unintentional error. However, in political contexts, it is sometimes used euphemistically or defensively, which can blur the line between mistake and falsehood.
The standard past tense is 'misspoke'. The past participle is 'misspoken' (e.g., 'He has misspoken').
It would sound very formal. In casual talk, phrases like 'I said it wrong', 'I got my words mixed up', or 'I made a mistake' are more natural.
The verb is used as a noun informally (e.g., 'a misspeak'), but it's non-standard. Preferred nouns are 'misstatement', 'verbal error', or 'slip of the tongue'.
To speak or express oneself incorrectly, unclearly, or misleadingly, especially in a formal or public context.
Misspeak is usually formal, journalistic, political in register.
Misspeak: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈspiːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈspiːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A slip of the tongue (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MISS' (to fail) + 'SPEAK' = to fail to speak correctly.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A PATH; to misspeak is to take a wrong turn in speaking.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'misspeak' MOST appropriately used?