Definition

A wrong idea or belief about something; a misunderstanding.

Example

Many people have a misconception that all cats hate water.

Conversation

I had a misconception about how the new tax rules worked.

Really? What did you think it was?

I thought I would have to pay a lot more, but that's not the case at all.

Yeah, a lot of people have that misconception until they learn the details.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misconception → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "conception" (from Latin "concipere", meaning to take in or to conceive). The word refers to a wrong understanding or belief about something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly and 'conception' meaning to take in an idea — this helps you remember that a misconception is a wrong idea or belief.

Visually Confused Words