12 English Words That People Say And Use Wrong.

1. Literally

Wrong meaning: Figuratively, very. The word is often used for emphasis and as an

exaggeration, as in “I’m literally dying of laughter.”

Right meaning: Actually, exactly, without exaggeration.

2. Factoid

Wrong meaning: A small fact.

Right meaning: A false fact.

3. Irregardless

Wrong meaning: Regardless, without consideration of (or despite) the circumstances.

Right meaning: There’s no correct meaning because “irregardless” is not a real word!

4. Entitled

Wrong meaning: The title of a book, TV show, etc.

Right meaning: Having, or believing that you have, the right to something.

5. Poisonous

Wrong meaning: Something that will make you poisoned if you eat it, or if it bites you.

Right meaning: Something that will poison you, but only if you eat it.

6. Runners-up, Passers-by

Wrong meaning: The meaning is usually correct here, it’s the word itself that’s wrong—people

often incorrectly say “runner-ups” and passer- bys.”

Right meaning: The correct plural form of the words “runner-up” and “passer-by” are “runners-

up” and “passers-by.” (Note: “passerby” and “passersby,” without the hyphen, are also correct 

spellings.)

7. Ironic

Wrong meaning: Something unfortunate.

Right meaning: Something that is the exact

8. Infamous

Wrong meaning: Very famous.

Right meaning: Famous for a negative reason.

9. Inflammable

Wrong meaning: Not flammable.

Right meaning: Flammable.

10. Bemused

Wrong meaning: Amused, in a detached kind of way.

Right meaning: Confused or bewildered.

11. Infer, Imply

Wrong meaning: People sometimes think both words mean the same thing, to suggest 

something.

Right meaning: “Imply” does mean to suggest something, but “infer” means to figure

something out that isn’t stated outright.

12. Good, Well

Wrong meaning: “Well” and “good” mean the same thing, something that is positive.

Right meaning: The two words do have similar meanings, but “well” is an adverb and “good” is 

an adjective.