Misquotation is spelled with three syllables and pronounced as /ˌmɪs.kwoʊˈteɪ.ʃən/. The word is a combination of the prefix "mis-" which means "wrong" or "incorrect", and "quotation" meaning "the act of repeating or copying a passage from a book or speech". Misquotation means to falsely or inaccurately quote or attribute a statement to someone or something. It is important to use proper spelling when conveying information accurately and avoiding unintentional misrepresentations.
Misquotation is a noun that refers to the act of incorrectly citing or attributing a quote or statement to an individual or source. It involves inaccurately reproducing or paraphrasing someone's words, leading to a distortion of their intended meaning or message. Misquotation can occur unintentionally due to human error, such as misremembering or misunderstanding the exact wording of a quote. It can also be the result of deliberate manipulation or misrepresentation of someone's words to support a particular agenda or viewpoint.
Misquotation can have significant consequences, as it can misrepresent the original author's ideas or distort historical records. In academic or scholarly contexts, misquotation can undermine the integrity of research or scholarship, as it misrepresents the sources on which an argument or claim is based. Similarly, in journalism or media, misquotation can lead to misinformation and create a false narrative or perception.
To avoid misquotation, it is important to diligently and accurately attribute quotes to their original sources by using proper citation methods. Fact-checking, verifying sources, and cross-referencing information can also help prevent misquotation. In cases where misquotation has occurred, it is vital to rectify the error by acknowledging and correcting the mistake to ensure the accurate representation of the original author's intent or message.
The act of quoting wrongly; the wrong quotation itself.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "misquotation" is derived from two main components: "mis-" and "quotation".
The prefix "mis-" is derived from the Old English word "mis", meaning "incorrectly" or "badly". It is used to express the idea of something being wrong, erroneous, or mistaken.
The word "quotation" comes from the Latin word "quotare", meaning "to mark a number" or "to count". The term originally referred to the act of providing a specific reference or citation to a written source. Over time, "quotation" evolved to also indicate the act of repeating or reproducing someone's words verbatim.
When these two components are combined, "misquotation" is formed, referring to the act or instance of incorrectly or inaccurately reproducing or referring to someone's words or ideas.