GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

malapropism

noun

/ˈmaləprəpɪz(ə)m/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of malapropism

The incorrect use of a word that is similar in sound to the word they intended to use, often with humorous or amusing effect.
"She couldn't help but laugh at the malapropism he made during the interview."

Detailed meaning of malapropism

Malapropisms are often unintentional and can occur due to a lack of knowledge of the correct word, confusion between similar-sounding words, or a slip of the tongue. They can also be used deliberately as a form of wordplay or humor. The term "malapropism" comes from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play "The Rivals," who frequently misused words in a comical way. Some examples of malapropisms include using "allegory" instead of "allergy," "acrimonious" instead of "amorous," or "prostrate" instead of "profound." While malapropisms can be amusing, they can also lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in professional or academic settings.

Example sentences containing malapropism

1. Her speech was filled with one malapropism after another, leaving the audience bewildered.
2. The comedian's routine was a masterpiece of malapropism humor.
3. He used a malapropism in his presentation, unintentionally changing the meaning of the entire sentence.
4. The character in the play was known for her frequent malapropism.
5. The teacher corrected the student's malapropism to ensure clear communication.
6. His speech was memorable for its clever use of malapropism.

History and etymology of malapropism

The term 'malapropism' finds its origins in the character Mrs. Malaprop from Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play 'The Rivals.' Mrs. Malaprop was known for her humorous tendency to use long, complex words incorrectly, often substituting them with words that sounded similar but had entirely different meanings. The name 'Malaprop' itself is a play on the French phrase 'mal à propos,' which translates to 'inappropriate' or 'inopportune.' The character's comical misuse of language caught the attention of audiences and playwrights alike, leading to the coining of the term 'malapropism' to describe such linguistic errors. Today, a malapropism refers to the unintentional, and often amusing, substitution of one word for another due to its phonetic similarity, resulting in a humorous or absurd effect.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun malapropism:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of malapropism

1. The politician's frequent malapropism became a subject of public ridicule.
2. The editor caught the author's malapropism before the book went to print.
3. Despite her malapropism, she managed to convey her message effectively.
4. The comedian's malapropism added a touch of humor to the conversation.
5. The actor's portrayal of the character included deliberate malapropism for comedic effect.
6. The politician's malapropism during the debate made headlines the next day.
7. The playwright used malapropism as a literary device to highlight the character's lack of education.
8. Her use of malapropism in the dialogue added depth to the character's personality.
9. The teacher used the student's malapropism as a teaching moment.
10. The comedian's malapropism routine had the audience in stitches.
11. The news anchor's malapropism became a viral sensation on social media.
12. His frequent malapropism in casual conversation often led to confusion.
13. The author's skillful use of malapropism brought humor and wit to the novel.
14. Her malapropism during the speech left the audience in stitches.
15. The politician's frequent malapropisms made headlines daily.
16. We couldn't stop laughing at his unintentional malapropism.
17. The teacher corrected the student's malapropism with a smile.
18. His malapropism turned a serious debate into a comedy show.
19. The comedian's clever malapropisms were a hit with the crowd.
20. She had a knack for turning every conversation into a malapropism festival.
21. The author's book was full of witty malapropisms that charmed readers.
22. His malapropism was so well-timed that it became a catchphrase.
23. Despite his malapropisms, he had a way of endearing himself to people.
24. The sitcom's humor relied heavily on the characters' malapropisms.