What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misguide
Example
The faulty map misguided us and we ended up getting lost. [misguided: past tense]
Example
The teacher's instructions misguided the students and they ended up making mistakes. [misguided: verb]
mislead
Example
The salesman misled us into buying a faulty product. [misled: past tense]
Example
The politician's speech was designed to mislead the public about his true intentions. [mislead: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mislead is more commonly used than misguide in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misguide and mislead?
Both misguide and mislead are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal or academic writing.