incorrectly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   In a way that is wrong or does not follow the facts, rules or correct method.

   Grammar: Usually comes before the verb or participle: incorrectly spelled, or after it: answered incorrectly.

   Patterns

   • answer incorrectly
   • incorrectly label something

   The package was incorrectly labeled and sent to the wrong city.

   He answered the question incorrectly and lost a point.

   The date was incorrectly printed on the invitation.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   Wrongly assuming or believing something that turns out to be untrue.

   Grammar: Often sits before a verb of thinking or stating: she incorrectly assumed.

   Patterns

   • incorrectly assume that
   • incorrectly believe that

   Many people incorrectly assume that glass is a slow-moving liquid.

   The reporter incorrectly stated that the bridge was closed.

   I incorrectly thought the meeting was on Friday.

Common combinations

incorrectly assume

Visitors often incorrectly assume the museum is free.

incorrectly spelled

The sign has an incorrectly spelled word on it.

incorrectly labeled

The jars were incorrectly labeled during packing.

answer incorrectly

If you answer incorrectly, you can try again.

incorrectly reported

The story was incorrectly reported in several papers.

Synonyms and how they differ

wrongly

Wrongly is a bit more common and can also mean unfairly, as in wrongly accused, which incorrectly does not.

mistakenly

Mistakenly suggests the error came from a mistake or misunderstanding, while incorrectly only says the result is wrong.

inaccurately

Inaccurately suggests a lack of precision, as in measurements or descriptions, rather than a flat error.

erroneously

Erroneously is a formal word for something done or believed by mistake, and sounds stiffer than incorrectly.

Opposites

Word family

incorrect adjective

wrong or not true

correct adjective

right or true

incorrectness noun

the state of being wrong

correctly adverb

in a right or accurate way

Commonly confused: incorrectly or improperly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “incorrectly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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