misapprehend

American  

[mis-ap-ri-hend] / ˌmɪs æp rɪˈhɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to misunderstand.

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misapprehend British  

/ ˌmɪsæprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. (tr) to misunderstand

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Other Word Forms

• misapprehensiveness
  noun
• misapprehensive
  adjective
• misapprehendingly
  adverb
• misapprehensively
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of misapprehend

First recorded in 1645–55; mis- ¹ + apprehend

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Explanation

Misapprehend is a verb that means to misunderstand. One place you definitely don't want to misapprehend instructions is on the plane when you're getting ready to skydive for the first time! The word misapprehend is sometimes used as a synonym for the word misunderstand, so you can use it in a similar way, but more for misunderstanding meaning than mishearing. Since apprehend means to grasp or catch, misapprehend can likewise mean to not grasp knowledge or information. For example, if someone is speaking in scientific lingo about acrocentric chromosomes and locus heterogeneity, and you don't understand what they're talking about, you might ask them to clarify in different terms so you don't misapprehend what they're saying.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misapprehend

Americans, who usually think the world revolves around economics, consistently misapprehend how revolutionaries embrace tumult.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

When Kavanaugh briefly touched on history, it was only to make a comment that seemed to misapprehend its significance here.

From Slate ● Dec. 11, 2025

Such proposals misapprehend the role of a judge under the Constitution and undermine public confidence in the Supreme Court and the judiciary generally.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 12, 2021

Some people misapprehend it and think of as imitation.

From New York Times ● Nov. 17, 2021

"You misapprehend," said Mr. Spangler, wretchedly; and then told Miss Ellen's news.

From Dr. Lavendar's People by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland

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