make a mistake
meɪk uh miss-TAKE
/meɪk ə mɪˈsteɪk/
To do something incorrectly or to have a wrong opinion.
Implies that an error has been 'created' by the person.
The story behind the word. 'Mistake' comes from the Old Norse 'mistaka', meaning to 'take' wrongly. We 'make' a mistake because we have 'created' an erroneous situation through our actions.
Word relationships
- err: A very formal verb meaning to make a mistake.
- slip up: An informal phrasal verb for making a small mistake.
- get it right: To perform a task correctly.
- succeed: To achieve the desired aim or result.
Commonly confused with
- do wrong: 'Do wrong' often implies a moral failing; 'make a mistake' is usually just an error.
Word family
- mistaken (adjective): Wrong in one's opinion or judgment.
Collocations
- make a huge mistake
- make a common mistake
- make a silly mistake
Idioms & expressions
- learn from one's mistakes
Example sentences
- "'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.'" Science (Albert Einstein)
- "I think I made a mistake by taking the highway during rush hour." Everyday Life
Memory hook
You 'make' the mess when you 'make' a mistake. Make the error, make the mistake.
When not to use
Do not use 'do a mistake'.
Fun facts
- The word 'mistake' originally referred to taking the wrong path while traveling.
- In chess, a 'mistake' is a specific term for a move that significantly worsens your position.
Related words
Explore more words
error, fallible, gaffe, take responsibility, blow it, miss the mark
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