méprise

mistake, misunderstanding

noun meh-PREEZ Rare

Usage Note

Méprise is a formal or literary word for an error caused by confusing one thing for another — akin to English 'mistaken identity'. It derives from the verb se méprendre (to be mistaken about). The phrase par méprise ('by mistake') appears often in formal or legal writing.

Examples

"Il a été arrêté par méprise."

Natural Translation

He was arrested by mistake.

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