misinterpret

[ mis-in-tur-prit ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to interpret, explain, or understand incorrectly.

misinterpret

/ ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːprɪt /

verb

1. tr to interpret badly, misleadingly, or incorrectly

Derived Forms

• ˌmisinˌterpreˈtation, noun
• ˌmisinˈterpreter, noun

Other Words From

• misin·terpret·a·ble adjective
• misin·terpre·tation noun
• misin·terpret·er noun
• unmis·in·terpret·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of misinterpret¹

First recorded in 1580–90; mis- ¹ + interpret

Example Sentences

"It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue," he said in a statement.

From BBC

It has become so warped that Roan was pushed to the brink to clarify herself to people looking to misinterpret her words when her track record speaks for itself.

From Salon

Tabulators may also misinterpret stickers as a voter error, leading the machines to wrongly invalidate legitimate votes.

From Slate

We try to predict the future, don’t understand the present and misinterpret the past.

From Salon

Many have criticized Sharpe since the episode was released on Wednesday, saying the host seemed to misunderstand Seales’ perspective or misinterpret her comments on several topics she brought up.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• distort
• err
• falsify
• garble
• miscalculate
• misread
• misrepresent
• misunderstand