Definition

To make a grammatical mistake in speech or writing.

Example

He tends to solecize when he is nervous, mixing up his words.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I might have just solecized during the meeting.

What do you mean? Did you say something wrong?

Yeah, I confused two similar words and it was pretty embarrassing.

Don't worry, everyone makes mistakes like that sometimes!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Solecize → It is formed from "solecism" (from Greek "solecismos", meaning a grammatical mistake or error in language) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "solecize" means to make a grammatical mistake or to speak incorrectly.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'grammatical mistake' ('solecism') and remember that to 'solecize' means to make such a mistake.

Visually Confused Words