Misstated

To present something inaccurately or incorrectly, often in a way that leads to misunderstanding or distortion of the truth. This can apply to facts, figures, opinions, or intentions. It implies a divergence from the actual or intended meaning. The degree of inaccuracy can range from minor errors to significant falsehoods. The act of misstating can be intentional, designed to mislead, or unintentional, resulting from a lack of information, misunderstanding, or carelessness. The impact of a misstatement depends on its context and the severity of the deviation from accuracy. It's crucial to identify and correct misstatements to ensure clear communication and informed decision-making.

Misstated meaning with examples

• The politician's speech contained several misstated facts about the economy, which his opponents quickly seized upon, exposing his lack of familiarity with the subject matter and damaging his credibility with the voting public. This lead to widespread public debate about the validity of his plans.
• During the financial audit, the company was found to have misstated its assets in its annual report, artificially inflating its perceived value. The discrepancy raised concerns among investors, resulting in a decrease in the company's share price and leading to an investigation by the regulatory authorities.
• In her legal testimony, the witness inadvertently misstated the sequence of events, leading to a confusing timeline for the jury. The opposing lawyer was quick to point out the mistake, forcing the witness to clarify her recollection and potentially changing the case's outcome.
• The journalist's initial report misstated the number of casualties in the disaster, causing unnecessary alarm and anxiety among the public. The newspaper issued a correction once more accurate figures were available, but the initial error had already circulated widely on social media.