incorrect
UK[ˌɪnkəˈrekt]US[ˌɪnkəˈrekt]
adj
Not accurate or true; wrong.
adj
Not in accordance with particular standards or rules.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
correct
in
not
correct
right
Etymology
The word 'incorrect' is a direct borrowing from Latin incorrectus, meaning "not corrected" or "uncorrected". It is formed by the negative prefix in- combined with the past participle correctus of the verb corrigere, which means "to make straight, set right". The verb corrigere itself is a compound of the intensive prefix com- and regere ("to lead straight, rule"). Thus, the literal morphemic logic of "not made straight" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of "not right" or "wrong", applying to facts, behavior, or procedures.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + correct (right)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- correct: From Latin correctus, meaning "made straight, set right". In this word, it functions as the base meaning "right, proper".
Examples
The information you provided was incorrect.
It is incorrect to speak with your mouth full.
The answer marked on the test was technically incorrect.