What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mistakenly
Example
I mistakenly thought the meeting was at 2 pm instead of 3 pm. [mistakenly: adverb]
Example
She was mistakenly identified as the suspect in the robbery. [mistakenly: adverb]
wrongly
Example
He was wrongly accused of stealing the money from the cash register. [wrongly: adverb]
Example
The company was sued for wrongly terminating an employee without cause. [wrongly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistakenly and wrongly are both commonly used in everyday language, but mistakenly is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mistakenly and wrongly?
Both mistakenly and wrongly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mistakenly is generally considered more formal and neutral, while wrongly has a stronger negative connotation and may be more appropriate in informal or emotional contexts.
