mistake

To wrongly think that someone or something is a different person or thing.

• I mistook him for my cousin.
• Do not mistake kindness for weakness.
• People often mistake these mushrooms for a harmless variety.

How to use it: mistake someone/something for someone/something (I mistook the coat for a blanket.)

Similar words: confuse, mix up

Common phrases: mistake someone for, mistake something for

Something you do, say, or think that is wrong.

• I made a mistake.
• There are three mistakes in your answer.
• Buying that old car was a costly mistake.

How to use it: mistake in something (There is a mistake in the address.); by mistake (I took your bag by mistake.)

Similar words: error, blunder

Common phrases: make a mistake, big mistake, by mistake, careless mistake