PoliticsJuly 17, 2026
misnomer
MISS-noh-mer
Definition
A name, term, or designation that is inaccurate, inappropriate, or misleading when describing the thing to which it is applied.
Etymology
The word originates from the Anglo-Norman 'mesnomer,' formed from 'mes-' (wrong) and 'nomer' (to name). It entered English in the late 16th century to denote an error in naming a person or thing, particularly in a legal context.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe how the term 'AI safety' is viewed by some critics, suggesting the name does not accurately capture the reality of the technology or the industry's practices.
The Most Important Words in the Battle Over AI
Read the full article ↗Politico