mistake

Mistake is an incorrect belief, judgment, or action that results from misperception, miscalculation, or misapplication of information. It is a broad term that covers errors of fact, errors of reasoning, and lapses of execution. In common usage, a mistake is something that could be corrected with additional information or reflection. In formal contexts, mistake and error can be distinguished: a mistake often refers to a wrongful belief or intention, while an error may denote deviation from a rule, standard, or measurement.

Mistakes arise from various causes. Perceptual mistakes occur when sensory input is misread, such as mistaking a person for someone else. Cognitive mistakes involve faulty reasoning or memory lapses, including misremembering details or falling for biases. Calculation or procedural mistakes result from incorrect steps, sloppy execution, or inadequate verification. Communication mistakes stem from misinterpretation of language or intent.

Legal and philosophical contexts distinguish mistakes of fact and mistakes of law, which can affect the validity of contracts or beliefs. In science and engineering, mistakes are often categorized as errors in measurement or experimental design, which are typically identified and corrected through replication and calibration.

The consequences of mistakes range from trivial to serious. They can hinder decisions, cause harm, or, conversely, promote learning and improvement. Reducing mistakes relies on strategies such as verification, feedback, checklists, cautious reasoning, and reflective practice.

The word mistake comes from the combination of mis- and take, reflecting the idea of taking information wrongly. It is closely related to, but not always identical with, the term error.