misunderstand
verb (used with object)
to take (words, statements, etc.) in a wrong sense; understand wrongly.
have misunderstood
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present perfectof misunderstand.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The batter looked almost suspiciously vegetable-heavy going into the oven, the sort of mixture that makes you wonder whether you have misunderstood either baking or gardening.
From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2026
Some families of people killed during the Troubles have hit back at comments by the Northern Ireland secretary that he was worried "some people have misunderstood the purpose" of the Troubles' legacy bill.
From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026
Berkshire recently became more attractive in part because the market seems to have misunderstood its earnings report over the weekend, according to money manager and Buffettologist Christopher Bloomstran.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
In 1987, Fed Chair Alan Greenspan told a U.S. senator at a hearing: “If I seem unduly clear to you, you must have misunderstood what I said.”
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 3, 2026
“I — I really never — you may have misunderstood —” “We’ll leave it to you, then, Gilderoy,” said Professor McGonagall.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
