What does misremembered mean?
Misremembered describes something recalled or described incorrectly. The word can apply to a person, an event, a conversation, a detail, or an entire account, and it emphasizes an error in memory rather than a deliberate falsehood. For example, someone may misremember where they first met a friend, while a document may present a misremembered version of what was agreed. The expression is useful in discussions of eyewitness testimony, unreliable recollection, historical accounts, and the ordinary imperfections of memory. Its implication is not necessarily dishonesty: a misremembered detail may still feel vivid and sincere to the person who recalls it. The word comes from the prefix meaning “badly” or “wrongly” combined with “remember,” making its meaning transparent.
Recalled or described incorrectly rather than accurately.
"The film presents a misremembered version of the family's history."
Commonly used before a noun naming a memory, event, detail, or account.
To remember or recall something incorrectly.
"I misremembered the name of the street where we lived."
Usually used in the past tense or past participle, including in the form misremembered.
A misremembered detail can feel completely convincing until an old photograph, recording, or witness reveals what actually happened.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misremembered come from?
The word is formed from the prefix mis-, meaning “badly” or “wrongly,” and remember. Remember ultimately comes through Old French from Latin rememorari, a compound of re- and memorari, “to call to mind” or “to recollect.” The prefix gives the modern form its sense of incorrect or faulty recollection.
Related word forms
How misremembered is actually used
The term is relatively uncommon but clear. It is especially useful when discussing faulty memory, inaccurate testimony, or the difference between a person's recollection and established facts.
Easily confused with misremembered
A remembered event is retained in memory, whereas a misremembered event is retained or described inaccurately.