In the world of academic writing, we often come across fancy terms and their definitions. But let’s be frank, sometimes we’re not completely sure what they really mean. It is therefore crucial to establish the correct definitions so that you can express yourself effectively. In this article, we’re going to dive into what “misnomer” actually means and show how to use it correctly with various examples.
Definition of “misnomer”
A misnomer is a name or term that suggests a meaning that is known to be wrong or does not accurately describe the thing it refers to. It can arise from a misunderstanding, an incorrect association, or a historical change that leaves the original name disconnected from its current meaning.
Use of “misnomer” in a sentence
In the English language, “misnomer” acts as a noun. It refers to an incorrect or unsuitable name.
The word does not mean “misunderstanding” or “misconception,” because it is used when someone makes an error in naming a person, object, or item, suggesting a wrong or misleading label, rather than a mistake in comprehension. Calling a “misnomer” a “misunderstanding,” would be a misnomer in itself.
Examples
- Calling the Greenland ice sheet a “desert” might seem like a misnomer, but technically, it meets the criteria due to its low precipitation.
- The term “silent film” is somewhat of a misnomer because these movies often featured live musical accompaniment during their screenings.
- Calling peanuts “nuts” is a misnomer, as they are actually legumes, related more closely to beans and lentils than to tree nuts.
How to spell “misnomer” correctly
The word “misnomer” originates from the Old French verb “mesnommer,” which directly translates to “to misname.” The English adoption of “misnomer” retained its meaning from its French root word, referring to an incorrect or inappropriate naming of something or someone.
Correct spelling
misnomer
Wrong spelling
misnommer
The term made its way into the English language in the early 15th century, maintaining its focus on the concept of incorrect naming or labelling.
- “mes-” — meaning “wrongly”
- “-nommer” — meaning “to name”
If one is unfamiliar with the correct spelling of “misnomer,” they may rely on phonetics, leading to spelling mistakes. If you’re unsure about the spelling, refer to its roots and its meaning “to misname,” which is also spelled with only one “m.”
Synonyms for “misnomer”
If you feel unsure about the correct spelling of the word “misnomer” in sentences, it may be helpful to use synonyms for it. This way you can grasp a thorough understanding of it and use the term correctly.
Simultaneously, you can avoid repetition and redundancy in your academic work. The table below illustrates alternative words for “misnomer” and respective examples of how to use them properly in sentences.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| Misname | Calling a koala a “koala bear” is a misnomer because koalas are marsupials, not bears. |
| Calling a koala a “koala bear” is a misname because koalas are marsupials, not bears. | |
| Mislabel | The term “jellyfish” is a misnomer since they are not fish but invertebrates. |
| The term “jellyfish” is a mislabel since they are not fish but invertebrates. | |
| Inaccurate name | Calling a tomato a vegetable is a common misnomer; it's actually a fruit. |
| Calling a tomato a vegetable is a common inaccurate name; it's actually a fruit. |
FAQs
Below, you’ll find a couple of misnomer examples.
- Calling peanuts “nuts” is a misnomer, as they are actually legumes, related more closely to beans and lentils than to tree nuts.
Other words for “misnomer” are:
- mislabel
- misname
- inaccurate name
Common misnomers include:
- “Strawberry” because it’s not a true berry.
- “Funny bone”, since it’s not a bone but a nerve (the ulnar nerve).
- “Shooting star” since the streaks of light are not stars, but meteors.
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