mistook

[mi-stook] / mɪˈstʊk /

VERB

mix up, misunderstand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread overestimate overlook underestimate

STRONG

addle blunder botch bungle confound err fail goof jumble lapse misapprehend misconceive miscount miss omit slip snarl tangle

WEAK

be off the mark be wrong deceive oneself get wrong have wrong impression make a mess misdeem misknow miss the boat not know put foot in slip up take for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

understand

STRONG

accomplish achieve clear up correct do well fix succeed uncomplicate

WEAK

be certain be sure comprehend interpret perceive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When I was young, I mistook restraint for weakness and anger for honesty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Characterized as “myths,” for example, were the age-old beliefs that Native Americans mistook the conquistadors for gods, and that a mere handful of Spaniards toppled great empires with ease.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Why, just the other day, our trip to Buckingham Palace was cut short when the children mistook one of the palace guards for a bear. It caused quite a commotion.”

From Literature

The German U-boat had been spotted earlier that morning, but a crew member mistook it for a small fishing vessel.

From BBC

The restaurant initially mistook Paul for his identical twin "coming back for seconds" and denied him any food.

From BBC