single word requests - Unintentional Lies and Misinformation


Imagine a scenario where Jim provides a piece of information to Sue. Jim believes this information to be true and correct, but is later proven to be mistaken. Some might say that Jim lied to Sue. I believe this to be the wrong word, because the misinformation was unintentional.


Is there a better word for this type of unintentional "lie"?



Answer



You're right to avoid "unintentional lie", because it's an oxymoron.



lie n.
1. A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.
2. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.



As you can see, without the intent to deceive, it can't be called a "lie".


"Falsehood" technically sounds like it could be the neutral word you want, but most people use it as a synonym of "lie".



falsehood n.
1. An untrue statement; a lie.
2. The practice of lying.
3. Lack of conformity to truth or fact; inaccuracy.



OK, so inaccuracy is pretty good: the information is wrong, but the conveyor of the information isn't being accused of anything. A similar word would be untruth.


If what you want is a verb, it's a bit more difficult. You're pretty much stuck rephrasing:



Jim told Sue that [...], but he was mistaken.




Jim unintentionally gave Sue false information.



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