misinterpret

American

[mis-in-tur-prit] / ˌmɪs ɪnˈtɜr prɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

to interpret, explain, or understand incorrectly.

misinterpret British

/ ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːprɪt /

verb

(tr) to interpret badly, misleadingly, or incorrectly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

misinterpretable adjective
misinterpretation noun
misinterpreter noun
unmisinterpretable adjective

Etymology

Origin of misinterpret

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

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.

Homeowners might also misinterpret the presence of mushrooms, which give cute Woodland Nymph vibes, but can indicate internal tree decay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

It’s easy for students to misunderstand and misinterpret college award letters that specify the financial aid they will receive.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

Did “Walter Bloomberg” merely misinterpret a Fox News clip?

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2025

“The problem is a lot of people misinterpret a lot of my dad’s work as schadenfreude, when it’s really not,” James said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2025

He is quick to sense slight or insult in things others say, and frequently may misinterpret well-meant communications.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023