misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce misconception (audio)
plural misconceptions
: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception
a common/popular misconception
There's this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect.Chris Daughtry
The new name, along with more stringent criteria for diagnosing the disorder, represents an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the disorder and to have it taken more seriously by psychiatrists as well as the courts.Janny Scott
Many gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.Nan Sterman
… artists, writers, and musicians who labor under the misconception that it's possible to come up with something new under the sun …Simon Reynolds

Examples of misconception in a Sentence

it is a popular misconception that the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite how much these factors can impact our daily lives, there are still many misconceptions about who is most vulnerable and what employers can or should do to help. Sean Fogarty, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 This is something called the therapeutic misconception, where patients believe that being part of an experiment, that experiment is actually intended to benefit them. Mandy Nguyen, Vox, 30 Nov. 2024 This misconception likely stems from the fact that one of the key ingredients in red velvet is cocoa powder. Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 One common misconception is that vaccines are a source of ‘heavy metal’ exposure, and carry toxic health risks–especially for infants and children. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for misconception 

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misconception was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near misconception

Cite this Entry

“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

misconception

noun
mis·​con·​cep·​tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən
: a wrong or mistaken idea

More from Merriam-Webster on misconception

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