Amiss - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word โ€ข Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

If something is amiss, it means something is wrong or out of place. It suggests a deviation from what is expected or proper. It's not necessarily a major problem, but something that feels 'off'. Think of it as noticing a picture hanging crookedly on the wall or a slight change in someone's behavior. It implies a sense that things are not quite right. ๐Ÿค”

Etymology

The word 'amiss' comes from the Old Norse word 'รก missi,' meaning 'in error' or 'astray.' 'ร' means 'on' or 'in,' and 'missi' relates to 'missing' or 'failure.' Over time, it evolved to describe situations where something is not as it should be. It carries a sense of deviation from the correct path or state.

Related Words

Examples

  • "I felt something was amiss when I saw the door slightly open. ๐Ÿšช"
  • "There was something amiss about his story; it didn't quite add up. ๐Ÿคฅ"
  • "She sensed something was amiss when her friends were whispering. ๐Ÿคซ"
  • "I knew something was amiss when my dog didn't bark at the mailman. ๐Ÿถ"

Anecdote / Story

In 'Stranger Things,' when the lights started flickering and things got weird, everyone knew something was amiss in Hawkins. ๐Ÿ”ฆ It was the signal that the Upside Down was creeping in. Like when you sense that your friend is mad at you but they won't admit it โ€“ something is definitely amiss. Don't ignore those vibes!

Encouragement

Use 'amiss' to describe those moments when your Spidey-senses tingle. It's a great way to express that something just doesn't feel right. Plus, it makes you sound observant and intuitive. ๐Ÿ‘

๐Ÿš€ Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

โœ… Daily word delivery โœ… Etymology & examples โœ… Interactive learning โœ… 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
๐Ÿ“ฑ Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial