Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “mistranslation” come from?

Mistranslation derives from Middle English mis- combined with translation, tracing to Proto-Indo-European mey- and meit-, roots associated with exchange and boundary concepts.

mistranslation (English): An incorrect translation; The incorporation of...

Definitions

  1. An incorrect translation; The incorporation of...

Ancestry of “mistranslation”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishTranslation—
2Middle EnglishtranslaciounRelocation, removal; Divestment or giving away;...
3Anglo-NormantranslaciounAlternative form of translacion
4Latintrānslātiō—
5Latintrānsferō—
6Latinferō—
7Proto-Italicferōcarry, bear
8Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰéretito be carrying
9Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰēr-shiny, light brown
Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰēr- →