12 Words That Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean
These 12 everyday words may not mean what you assume — get ready to rethink your vocabulary.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
English is full of surprises, and some of the most common words we use every day don’t mean what most people think. Whether through evolution, misuse, or just plain confusion, these terms have taken on lives of their own. You might be shocked to learn how far off we’ve all been about some of them.
1. Literally
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Used to emphasize a point, but “literally” actually means “exactly as stated.” Saying “I’m literally dying of laughter” isn’t just wrong — it’s a linguistic contradiction.
2. Ironic
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Most people confuse irony with coincidence. Real irony involves a contrast between expectations and reality — like a fire station burning down. It’s not ironic to run into your ex at the store; it’s just awkward timing.
3. Peruse
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This sounds fancy, but it doesn’t mean “skim quickly.” To peruse something means to read or examine it thoroughly and carefully.
4. Disinterested
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Often misused as a synonym for “uninterested,” but they’re not the same. “Disinterested” means impartial or unbiased, which is crucial in fields like law or journalism.
5. Enormity
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It sounds like it refers to size, but that’s not quite right. “Enormity” actually refers to extreme evil or moral outrage.
6. Nonplussed
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Many assume it means calm or unfazed, but it’s the opposite. If you’re nonplussed, you’re confused, bewildered, or taken aback.
7. Bemused
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This doesn’t mean “amused,” although it sounds similar. “Bemused” means puzzled or confused, often in a dazed way.
8. Factoid
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Originally coined to mean a false fact that appears true, not a small bit of trivia. Over time, it’s been watered down to mean “a little-known fact,” but the root still implies inaccuracy.
9. Irregardless
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This one isn’t even a real word — it’s a double negative. The correct term is “regardless,” and adding the “ir-” doesn’t make it more emphatic; it’s just wrong.
10. Ultimate
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Often used to mean “the best,” but it actually means “last” or “final.” The ultimate goal is your end target — not necessarily the greatest one.
11. Redundant
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It’s not just about repeating yourself. “Redundant” implies that something is unnecessary or no longer useful. In tech, for example, redundant systems are backups — not extra features.
12. Decimate
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We use it to mean total destruction, but its origin is quite specific. “Decimate” means to reduce by one-tenth, and it comes from a Roman military punishment. Using it for complete devastation exaggerates its original intent.