malapropism
Noun | /malapropism/
The mistaken use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a different meaning.
malapropism
Noun | /malapropism/
Advanced WordsHARDThe mistaken use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a different meaning.
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Synonyms
Examples
"Calling an ‘illiterate’ person ‘literate’ by mistake would be a malapropism. Means: The speaker has accidentally used a similar-sounding word with the opposite meaning."
"The comedian used a deliberate malapropism to make the audience laugh. Means: The comedian intentionally substituted a similar-sounding but incorrect word for comic effect."
Mnemonic Trick
A malapropism is a ‘poorly appropriate’ word choice: remember that it substitutes a similar-sounding word that does not fit the intended meaning.
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