What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misguided
Example
The company's misguided attempt to cut costs resulted in a loss of quality. [misguided: adjective]
Example
His misguided beliefs about the virus led him to refuse to wear a mask. [misguided: adjective]
mistaken
Example
I was mistaken about the time of the meeting and arrived an hour early. [mistaken: adjective]
Example
She mistakenly thought that he was the one who had stolen her phone. [mistakenly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistaken is more commonly used than misguided in everyday language. Mistaken is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while misguided is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misguided and mistaken?
Both misguided and mistaken can be used in formal and informal contexts, but misguided may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage.
