Amiss

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb

Pronunciation

/əˈmɪs/

Definitions

• 1. (adjective) Not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.
• 2. (adjective) Incorrect or faulty; in error.
• 3. (adverb) In a way that is wrong or imperfect; wrongly.

Usage Examples

• Something seems amiss with the machine; it’s not working properly.
• She felt that her plan was amiss and reconsidered her approach.
• His attitude was amiss, making others uncomfortable.

Etymology

Originating in the Middle English word "amys," from Old French "amiss," meaning "wrong" or "in error." It ultimately comes from the Latin "admissus," the past participle of "admittere," meaning "to allow" or "to permit." The word evolved to represent something that is wrong or out of place in its current context.

Synonyms

• Wrong
• Faulty
• Incorrect
• Erroneous
• Inappropriate

Antonyms

• Correct
• Right
• Proper
• Accurate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In some English dialects, particularly in Northern England, "amiss" may be pronounced with a more pronounced "a" sound, like "uh-miss," whereas in other regions it sounds more like "ah-miss."

Historical Usage

Historically, the word "amiss" was used primarily to indicate that something was wrong or in error, particularly in the context of moral or ethical judgments. It has been used since the 14th century, primarily in literary and formal language, to describe something that is out of order or contrary to expectations. In older texts, it was often paired with terms like "in" or "with" to suggest a specific action or event was not right.

Cultural Nuances

The word "amiss" is often used to subtly indicate a disturbance or problem, rather than a major issue. It is common in polite discourse to say "something seems amiss" instead of directly accusing someone of doing something wrong. In this sense, "amiss" conveys a gentle criticism or hint of discomfort, often implying that a situation can be fixed or corrected without major conflict.

More Information

"Amiss" is a relatively mild and somewhat formal term, often used in more delicate contexts to suggest that something is not quite right without the severity of terms like "wrong" or "incorrect." It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as "something amiss in a relationship" or "an amiss decision," highlighting a lack of alignment or correctness without specifying a major fault.