word
malapropism
MAL-uh-prop-iz-um
ˈmæləprɒpɪzəmListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
malapropism
Sounds like
Say 'MAL-uh-prop-iz-um'.
Dictionary meaning
The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with comic effect.
History and origin
Named after Mrs Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775).
Examples
- 'For all intensive purposes' is a common malapropism of 'for all intents and purposes'.
Common mispronunciations
mal-uh-PROH-piz-umMAL-uh-proh-piz-um
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