What does misquote mean?
Misquote is a verb meaning to reproduce or report someone else’s words inaccurately. It commonly appears in journalism, politics, law, and everyday discussion when a speaker claims that a quotation has been changed, truncated, or presented without enough context. The word can refer either to a deliberate distortion or to a genuine mistake, so it does not automatically imply dishonesty. “Misquote someone” and “misquote a source” are common patterns, while the passive form “be misquoted” emphasizes the inaccuracy rather than the person responsible for it. Misquoting is especially consequential when a short quotation is repeated publicly, since changes in wording can alter tone and meaning. Related forms include “misquoted,” “misquoting,” and the less common “misquotation.”
verbTo quote someone’s words inaccurately, altering their meaning or representing them incorrectly. It can also mean to cite a source or statement wrongly.
- To quote or report someone’s words inaccurately.
"The newspaper was accused of misquoting the minister’s remarks."
"Several participants said that the report had misquoted their testimony."
"The quotation was widely circulated online, although it had been misquoted."
A misquote can make a speaker sound wiser—or harsher—than they ever intended.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misquote come from?
The word is formed by combining the prefix “mis-,” meaning wrongly, with “quote.” “Quote” entered Middle English from Old French and ultimately derives from Latin words associated with quotation and citing. “Misquote” developed later as a transparent combination indicating that quoting has been done incorrectly.
Related word forms
How misquote is actually used
Common in journalism, politics, academic discussion, and conversations about quotations. The word usually implies an error in reproducing words or their meaning, not necessarily deliberate deception.
Easily confused with misquote
A misquote changes or reproduces someone’s words inaccurately, whereas a misattribute wrongly credits a statement or work to the wrong person.