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

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

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

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

Jackson said many people had the “misconception” that a nuclear bomb meant “a flash and a bang and it's all over”.

From BBC

Related Words

• delusion
• fallacy
• misinterpretation
• misunderstanding