Incorrect spelling, explanation: the only correct form is mistakenly. It’s formed by adding the -ly suffix to the adjective mistaken to create the adverbial form. The -ly suffix is commonly added to adjectives to form adverbs in English, indicating how an action is performed. People may think mistakely is the correct form, but we should remember that the base for creating an adverb is an adjective, not a noun, so we cannot add a suffix to the word mistake. Therefore, based on their word formation bases, mistakenly is the correct and accepted form, while mistakely is incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing and speech.

Correct spelling, explanation: the etymology of the word mistakenly traces back to the adjective mistaken, which originates from the verb mistake. This verb comes from the Old Norse word mistaka, meaning to take in error. Over time, mistake evolved into an adjective, mistaken, describing something that is incorrect or wrong due to a misunderstanding or error. As for mistakely, it is not a recognized word in standard English, and it does not have a distinct etymology because it is a misspelling or non-standard variation of mistakenly.

Definition of mistakenly:
Adverb, in a mistaken or incorrect manner; by error or misunderstanding.
He mistakenly deleted the important email instead of forwarding it to his colleague.
The journalist mistakenly identified the politician as the mayor in the news report.

Collocations with mistakenly:
Some of the most commonly used collocations include:
1. Mistakenly send: to unintentionally dispatch or forward something to the wrong recipient.
She mistakenly sent the private company information to a competitor instead of her colleague.
2. Mistakenly interpret: to misunderstand or misinterpret something.
He mistakenly interpreted her friendly gesture as a romantic interest.
3. Mistakenly press: to unintentionally push or activate a button, key, or switch.
I mistakenly pressed the emergency alarm button, causing a brief panic in the building.
4. Mistakenly accuse: describes wrongly blaming someone for something without proper evidence or understanding.
She mistakenly accused her neighbor of stealing her mail, only to find out later that it was delivered to the wrong address.

Incorrect spelling