Misquotation

usgb/ˌmɪskwəʊˈteɪʃn/
noun

An incorrect or inaccurate quote or citation.

"To err is human, to forgive is divine." is a common misquotation. The original phrase is actually: "To err is human; to forgive, divine."
Visual representation of "misquotation" - An incorrect or inaccurate quote or citation.

Often appears as...

  • common misquotation
  • famous misquotation
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "misquotation"
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Wrong Attribution

A misquotation can wrongly attribute words to someone who didn't say them.

Illustration for Wrong Attribution
Crediting Einstein with 'Everyone is a genius...' is a misquotation.
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Changed Meaning

Changing words in a quote can alter its intended message or tone.

Illustration for Changed Meaning
A misquotation can twist a reassuring statement into a threatening one.
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Memes & Social Media

Misquotations often spread through social media and can become viral as memes.

Illustration for Memes & Social Media
The misquotation became a meme and lost its original context.
Visual representation of the word "Misquotation"

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