parapraxis

USAGE SUMMARY

"parapraxis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun which refers to an unintentional mistake made during speech or memory recall, such as a Freudian slip. For example, you could say: "I meant to tell my manager that I was available to work this Saturday, but I ended up mentioning the wrong day due to a parapraxis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I asked her if it might have been a case of parapraxis—Freud's term for the lapses of memory, slips of the tongue, and other minor suppressions of consciousness that occur in everyday life".It soon becomes clear that a mysteriously moving bookmark is the least of Lawrence's worries.

The Economist

Is this parapraxis too, or should somebody call the cops?Like most narrators of campus novels, Lawrence doesn't wear his academic credentials lightly.

The Economist

"Being in a relationship with Kim for twelve years is a persistent pursuit and analysis of parapraxis," Kushner says.

The New Yorker

(A parapraxis is a slip of the tongue or some other bungle that, according to Freud, reveals an unconscious motivation.

The New Yorker

Although his translation has been consistently praised for its magisterial Victorian prose, Strachey has been criticized for concocting an awkward vocabulary (the Greek cathexis and parapraxis, for example, or the Latin ego and id for Freud's unpretentious das Ich and das Es).

The New York Times - Books

In the hope of making him more acceptable to a skeptical medical community, Strachey set about "scientizing" Freud, adding concrete qualifiers like "degree" and "level" to Freud's metaphorical imagery, and introducing clanking Greek words like cathexis and parapraxis into the text in place of Freud's more colloquial and plainspoken German.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid sounding overly academic, consider using "parapraxis" sparingly and ensure the context warrants such a specific term. Alternatives like "slip of the tongue" may be more appropriate for general audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "parapraxis" in contexts where simpler terms like "mistake" or "slip of the tongue" are sufficient. Overuse can make your writing seem pretentious and less accessible to a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The noun "parapraxis" functions as a technical term within psychology, specifically referring to a type of error thought to reveal unconscious intentions. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used in discussions of Freudian psychoanalysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parapraxis" refers to a mistake that reveals concealed thoughts, often called a "Freudian slip". While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates it's more suited to formal or academic contexts. Given its infrequent use and technical nature, consider alternative terms like "slip of the tongue" in general writing. Its primary function is to analyze unconscious intentions behind unintentional actions, found mainly in sources such as The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Freudian slip

This term is a direct synonym and the most common alternative, specifically referencing the psychoanalytic theory behind the error.

slip of the tongue

A more general term for an unintentional verbal error, without the specific implication of revealing unconscious thoughts.

unconscious slip

Highlights the unconscious motivation behind the error, similar to "Freudian slip".

verbal faux pas

Implies a socially awkward or inappropriate unintentional statement.

psychological slip

Emphasizes the psychological origin of the error, suggesting a deeper meaning.

unintentional error

A broad term encompassing any mistake made without intention, applicable beyond just speech.

lapsus linguae

A Latin term for slip of the tongue, similar to "Freudian slip" but less common in everyday usage.

lapse of memory

Refers specifically to memory errors, not necessarily verbal slips, but still related to unintentional cognitive errors.

speech error

A general term for any mistake made while speaking.

inadvertent disclosure

Focuses on the unintentional revealing of information.

FAQs

What is the definition of "parapraxis"?

"Parapraxis" is a mistake, such as a "slip of the tongue", that reveals a concealed thought or motive, often associated with Freudian psychoanalysis.

How do I use "parapraxis" in a sentence?

You can use "parapraxis" to describe unintentional errors that seem to expose someone's true feelings or thoughts. For example: "His calling his wife by his mistress's name was a clear example of a "Freudian slip", a classic "parapraxis"".

What are some synonyms for "parapraxis"?

Synonyms for "parapraxis" include "Freudian slip", "slip of the tongue", and unintentional error. The most appropriate synonym depends on the specific context.

Is "parapraxis" a commonly used word?

"Parapraxis" is not as common as its synonym, "Freudian slip". It is more frequently encountered in academic or psychological contexts.