What does mistell mean?
“Mistell” is a rare historical or nonstandard spelling of the modern verb “misspell,” meaning to write or pronounce a word incorrectly in its spelling. It can describe errors in spelling names, titles, technical terms, or ordinary vocabulary, but it is not normally used in current standard English. A writer who used it today might be understood to employ an archaic form rather than to make a simple typographical error. The standard form has two consecutive s letters—“misspell”—and its past tense and participle can be written as “misspelled” or, especially in British English, “misspelt.” Although the older-looking spelling may seem decorative or archaic, it is not generally recommended in formal writing, publishing, or educational contexts. Its chief interest is historical, showing how spelling conventions in English have changed while the meaning of the verb has remained stable.
verbA rare historical or nonstandard spelling of “misspell,” meaning to spell a word incorrectly.
- To spell a word or name incorrectly.
"The editor mistelt the name on the title page."
"The sign was removed because the contractor had mistelt the street name."
"Several names in the old manuscript were mistelt by the copyist."
A rare spelling relic: “mistell” preserves an older form of “misspell,” but modern English firmly prefers the double-s version.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mistell
The word derives from the prefix “mis-,” meaning “wrongly,” combined with “spell,” in the sense of writing a word in its intended letters. “Mistell” represents an older or nonstandard spelling, while “misspell” eventually became established in modern usage. The form “misspelt” also survives as a common alternative past tense and participle, especially in British English.
Related word forms
How mistell is actually used
This spelling is uncommon in modern English and is chiefly encountered in historical texts. Use “misspell” in contemporary writing.
Easily confused with mistell
“Misspell” is the standard modern verb, whereas “mistell” is a rare historical or nonstandard spelling of it.