misconception

[ mis-kuhn-sep-shuhn ]

noun

1. an erroneous conception; mistaken notion.

misconception

/ ˌmɪskənˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. a false or mistaken view, opinion, or attitude

Word History and Origins

Origin of misconception¹

First recorded in 1655–65; mis- ¹ + conception

Example Sentences

The idea that work requirements for Medicaid can have a measurable effect on joblessness is the product of another misconception, which is that most Medicaid recipients are the employable unemployed.

From Los Angeles Times

Supposedly, Biden still thinks he would have beaten Trump, making him one of the few people on the planet to harbor that misconception.

From Los Angeles Times

"A major misconception is that people often say, 'We need someone better to run the economy'"

From Salon

Did you find that there are some misconceptions about Megan’s private grieving and the public persona she has built?

From Salon

She also points out that there's a misconception that eating disorders are "about wanting to be thin or looking a certain way".

From BBC

Related Words

• delusion
• fallacy
• misinterpretation
• misunderstanding