“Wrongly” is an adverb that means in an incorrect or inaccurate way. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of each:
1. Incorrectly
- Analysis: “Incorrectly” is a very close synonym to “wrongly.” It means not in accordance with fact or truth; in a wrong manner. For example, “He answered the question incorrectly.” It emphasizes the objective state of being wrong in terms of facts, answers, or actions. In comparison to “wrongly,” it is a more straightforward term that is often used when there is a clear standard of correctness, such as in academic, technical, or rule - based contexts.
2. Erroneously
- Analysis: “Erroneously” means containing an error; mistaken. For example, “She was erroneously informed about the meeting time.” It has a more formal tone than “wrongly” and emphasizes the presence of an error in the information, belief, or action. It is often used in more written or professional language to indicate that a mistake has been made due to misinformation or a faulty judgment.
3. Falsely
- Analysis: “Falsely” means not in accordance with the truth; untruthfully. For example, “He was falsely accused of the crime.” It emphasizes the aspect of falsehood, especially in statements, accusations, or beliefs. In comparison to “wrongly,” “falsely” is more about the content being untrue rather than just an action being incorrect. It often implies a more deliberate or malicious misrepresentation.
4. Mistakenly
- Analysis: “Mistakenly” means as a result of a mistake; in error. For example, “She mistakenly took someone else's bag.” It focuses on the idea that the wrong action was a result of a misunderstanding or an oversight. In comparison to “wrongly,” “mistakenly” gives more of a sense of the cause of the error, highlighting that it was an accidental or unintended wrong action.
5. Amiss
- Analysis: “Amiss” means wrong or out of order; in an improper state. For example, “Something was amiss with the calculations.” It is an adjective that can also be used as an adverb in a more archaic - sounding way (e.g., “The plan went amiss”). It has a broader sense of something being not quite right, including in a moral or social context, rather than just a factual error like “wrongly.” It can imply a more general sense of things being off - kilter or awry.
6. Awry
- Analysis: “Awry” means turned or twisted away from the correct or expected direction; amiss. For example, “The project went awry due to unforeseen circumstances.” It emphasizes the idea of things going off course or not proceeding as planned. In comparison to “wrongly,” “awry” is more about the deviation from the right path or the expected outcome, rather than a simple error in a specific action or statement.