mistaken

This term describes a state of error that often stems from a cognitive slip or a flawed premise rather than a deliberate lie. It carries a softer, more forgiving tone than "wrong," suggesting that the error was an honest oversight or a result of misleading information.

When used to describe a person, it emphasizes the subjective experience of being in error, frequently paired with the preposition "about" to specify the object of the misunderstanding. When describing an idea or assumption, it functions as a synonym for "incorrect," signaling that a conclusion lacks a factual basis.