What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misnomer
Example
Calling a tomato a vegetable is a misnomer since it is actually a fruit. [misnomer: noun]
Example
The term 'killer whale' is a misnomer since they are actually a type of dolphin. [misnomer: noun]
misname
Example
I accidentally misnamed my new coworker as 'John' instead of 'James'. [misnamed: verb]
Example
The teacher misnamed the student during roll call, causing confusion. [misnamed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misnomer is more commonly used than misname in formal writing and academic contexts. However, misname is more commonly used in everyday language and conversation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between misnomer and misname?
Misnomer is a more formal word than misname, which is more commonly used in informal contexts and everyday language.
