misunderstand

[ mis-uhn-der-stand ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·un·der·stood, mis·un·der·stand·ing.

1. to take (words, statements, etc.) in a wrong sense; understand wrongly.

   Synonyms: misinterpret, misapprehend, misconstrue

2. to fail to understand or interpret rightly the words or behavior of.

misunderstand

/ ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd /

verb

1. to fail to understand properly

Other Words From

• misun·der·stander noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misunderstand¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, misunderstand is from the Middle English word misunderstanden. See mis- ¹, understand

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for complimentary therapies at The Christie Cancer Hospital said "historically there had been some misunderstandings about the safety of offering massage to patients with cancer".

From BBC

There were also reports of an alcohol-fuelled incident while having his medical in France, something Cowan-Dickie puts down to a “misunderstanding”.

From BBC

That’s not to say that edge cases don’t matter, he and his colleagues wrote, but treating them as typical can contribute to misunderstandings — and divert attention away from more pressing issues.

From Salon

“Instead, the bill aims to address uncertainty under the current laws and correct a misunderstanding about how the technology works.”

From Salon

Asking if someone is a member is “actually the wrong question,” she said, “based on a misunderstanding about how ideas and social movements work. The NAR is incredibly diffuse by design.”

From Salon

Related Words

• confuse
• miscalculate
• misconstrue
• misinterpret
• misjudge
• misread