n. & v.
--n.
1. an incorrect idea or opinion; a thing incorrectly done or thought.
2 an error of judgement.
--v.tr. (past mistook; past part. mistaken)
1. misunderstand the meaning or intention of (a person, a statement, etc.).
2 (foll. by for) wrongly take or identify (mistook me for you).
3 choose wrongly (mistake one's vocation).
Phrases and idioms:
and (or make) no mistake colloq. undoubtedly. by mistake accidentally; in error. there is no mistaking one is sure to recognize (a person or thing).
Derivatives:
mistakable adj. mistakably adv.
Etymology: ME f. ON mistaka (as MIS-(1), TAKE)