Definition

A word that is written with the wrong letters or in the wrong order.

Example

The word 'definately' is a common misspelling of 'definitely'.

Conversation

I just noticed a misspelling in my essay.

Oh no! Where did you find it?

It was in the second paragraph, right in the introduction.

That can happen to anyone; I always double-check mine.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misspelling → It is formed from "miss-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "spelling" (from Old English "spellian", meaning to name or to tell). The word "misspelling" refers to the act of wrongly naming or writing a word.

Memory Tip

Think of 'miss-' meaning wrongly, and 'spelling' as naming a word. This helps you remember that misspelling means writing a word incorrectly.

Visually Confused Words