What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mispointing
Example
The archer's mispointing caused him to miss the target. [mispointing: noun]
Example
She mispointed the flashlight, and we ended up lost in the woods. [mispointed: past tense verb]
misdirection
Example
The magician used misdirection to make the audience focus on his left hand while he performed the trick with his right. [misdirection: noun]
Example
The detective realized that the suspect's alibi was a misdirection to throw off the investigation. [misdirection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misdirection is more commonly used than mispointing in everyday language. Misdirection is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mispointing is less common and is mostly used in sports or physical activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mispointing and misdirection?
Both mispointing and misdirection are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
