mistranslate

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɪsˈtrænˌsleɪt/

KK: /ˌmɪsˈtrænˌsleɪt/

transitive verb

Definition

To translate something in a way that is not correct or accurate.

Example

If you mistranslate a word, it can change the meaning of the entire sentence.

Tense Forms

Past: mistranslated

Past Participle: mistranslated

Conversation

Did you hear about that article that tried to mistranslate the famous quote?

Yeah, I saw it! It was such a mess.

I can't believe how easily they could mistranslate something so well-known.

Right? It's crazy how important accuracy is in translations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

misinterpret

misrender

misquote

Antonyms

translate

interpret

render

Root Explanation

Mistranslate → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "translate" (from Latin "translatus", meaning to carry across). The word "mistranslate" means to carry across the meaning wrongly or inaccurately.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'translate' meaning to carry across. This helps you remember that to mistranslate is to carry across the meaning incorrectly.

Visually Confused Words