Word
mistakenly
Phoneticsmis·tak·en·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/mɪˈsteɪkənɫi/
UK/mɪstˈeɪkənli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01based on a wrong idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something because you believe something that is not true.
adv. in a manner based on a wrong judgment, belief, or misunderstanding.
“I mistakenly thought the meeting was on Tuesday, so I missed it.”
“The witness mistakenly identified the suspect based on a fleeting glimpse in the poorly lit alleyway.”
Usage
usually placed before the verb it modifies or at the beginning of a clause.
Synonyms
02by accident
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something by mistake without intending to do it.
adv. unintentionally or by accident; performing an action in error.
“She mistakenly deleted the important file while cleaning up her desktop.”
“The technician mistakenly disconnected the backup power supply during the routine maintenance check.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mistakenly” in context.
Verb
01. mistakenly assume
“Many people mistakenly assume that the two languages are related, but they are actually quite different.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“On Thursday, Minns issued an apology and relayed news her body had been discovered after mistakenly announcing Hooper had been found alive.” “Guardiola, by some, is mistakenly thought to be strictly married to a singular approach.” Etymology
From mistaken + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/mistakenly