What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gaffe
Example
He made a gaffe by accidentally calling his boss by the wrong name. [gaffe: noun]
Example
She realized her gaffe too late and felt embarrassed. [gaffe: noun]
mistake
Example
I made a mistake on my math homework and got the answer wrong. [mistake: noun]
Example
She mistakenly thought the party was on Saturday instead of Sunday. [mistakenly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistake is more commonly used than gaffe in everyday language. Mistake is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and is used frequently in both formal and informal settings. Gaffe, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gaffe and mistake?
Gaffe is generally considered a more formal word than mistake. It is often used in professional or diplomatic settings where social etiquette is important. Mistake, on the other hand, is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
