misquoted

Misquoted refers to a quotation that is presented in a way that is not faithful to the original source, whether in wording, context, or attribution. It can be an accidental error or a deliberate misrepresentation, and can affect how the quoted material is understood.

Common forms include: exact-quote errors where the wording is wrongly transcribed or altered in a way that changes meaning; misattribution where a quotation is credited to someone who did not say it; context distortion when surrounding material is omitted or altered to change the interpretation; and selective quoting or cherry-picking, which omits portions that would alter the perceived message.

Causes of misquoting range from memory mistakes, transcription errors, or poor note-taking to translation issues or editorial haste. Deliberate misquoting can be used to persuade, persuade, or mislead, contributing to misinformation and distorted records.

The impact of misquoting can be reputational damage for speakers or writers and can distort public discourse or scholarly work. In academia and journalism, misquotes threaten credibility and may require corrections, reconciliations, or retractions.

Prevention and correction rely on verification against the original source. Best practices include consulting the primary text, confirming exact wording and context, citing edition and page numbers, and avoiding quotation without verification. If a misquote is discovered, issuing a correction or note of attribution helps restore accuracy and trust.