For years I thought misled (pronounced miss-LEDD) and misled (pronounced MYE- zild) were two similar words with different, subtly nuanced meanings. Misled (miss-LEDD) was used when someone had accidentally or non-maliciously said something incorrectly, or said a white lie. Misled (MYE-zild) was used when someone deliberately sent someone on a wild goose chase or downright lied to them with sinister intent.
She realized the stranger from whom she had asked directions had misled (miss-LEDD) her as she approached the closed gas station. Well, maybe the stranger forgot what time it was, or mistook the open gas station from the closed gas station. It happens.
She realized the stranger from whom she had asked directions had misled (MYE-zild) her as she approached the closed gas station. Uh-oh. Now she may not have enough fuel to reach her destination. Perhaps the stranger wanted her to go to the wrong gas station. Oh, dear.
Hooray for recorded pronunciation guides in internet dictionaries. Is this what separates Ivy Leaguers from state schoolers like moi? ~ Emery Lamb
Recent Comments