equivocado

Equivocado is a Spanish adjective that means mistaken or wrong. It is used to describe beliefs, statements, actions, or judgments that are not correct. For example, one can say “Creí que era más fácil” or “Estás equivocado sobre la hora de la cita.” The expression can denote a factual error or a mistaken assumption.

The feminine form is equivocada, and the plural forms are equivocados (masculine) and equivocadas (feminine). The related noun equivoco or equívoco refers to a misunderstanding or ambiguity: “Hubo un equívoco entre las partes” or “La frase es equívoca.” The adjective equívoco can describe something with dos meanings or unclear interpretation, as in “una explicación equívoca.”

Etymology and related terms: equivocado shares a common lineage with equívoco, both deriving from a root related to ambiguity and two possible meanings. The term equívoco itself originates from the Latin aequivocus, meaning having two voices or meanings, and entered Spanish via Romance languages. The verb equivocar, meaning to make a mistake or to mislead, is related and used with reflexive or direct object construction: “equivocarse” (to be mistaken) and “equivocar a alguien” (to mislead someone). The noun equivocación denotes the act or instance of being mistaken.

Usage notes: equivocado is a neutral descriptor of error, not a presumption of intent. In formal text, synonyms like erróneo or incorrecto may be preferred; equívoco and equivocación are common in contexts involving interpretation, ambiguity, or misunderstanding.