misinterpret

[ mis-in-tur-prit ]

/ ˌmɪs ɪnˈtɜr prɪt /

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See synonyms for misinterpret on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with or without object)

to interpret, explain, or understand incorrectly.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of misinterpret

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

OTHER WORDS FROM misinterpret

mis·in·ter·pret·a·ble, adjectivemis·in·ter·pre·ta·tion, nounmis·in·ter·pret·er, nounun·mis·in·ter·pret·a·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use misinterpret in a sentence

In the absence of any real life-threatening situation, your mind may misinterpret what’s going on inside as being life-threatening.
How to keep your anxiety from spiraling out of control|Sara Chodosh|January 15, 2021|Popular-Science
If, maybe people misinterpret the ads to be ads for cigarettes or nicotine products in general.
Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 1: TV) (Ep. 440)|Stephen J. Dubner|November 19, 2020|Freakonomics
According to Schumer, Obama and his administration had misinterpreted their 2008 electoral mandate.
2016 Is No Democratic Slam Dunk|Lloyd Green|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So, people have misinterpreted the word “feminist” to be a dividing word as opposed to a uniting one.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Why He’s Exploring the Word ‘Feminism’ and Online Misogyny|Marlow Stern|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Those posts hurt a bit more because they reveal how deeply misinterpreted feminism is.
You Don’t Hate Feminism. You Just Don’t Understand It.|Emily Shire|July 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Elvis (n.): A Christmas elf, as misinterpreted by Alana, who in one episode mistakes, “Elvis helps Santa Claus make toys.”
‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’: A Glossary|Kevin Fallon|July 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She talked about a recent opposition art project that Putin misinterpreted.
Pussy Riot’s Yekaterina Samutsevich Speaks Out|Anna Nemtsova|November 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She walked faster, and would not look at him; but he, in his ignorance, misinterpreted these signs egregiously.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
The biological doctrine of evolution was misinterpreted and misapplied to social policy.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
I know that you will say I regret exceedingly, Miss Sue, that you have misinterpreted my friendly attentions.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
"Poor child, you are quite right," replied Madame Guillaume, who misinterpreted the expression of her daughter's glance at her.
At the Sign of the Cat and Racket|Honore de Balzac
He resented and misinterpreted, as has been shown, Lawrence's inquiries as to his health.
Art in England|Dutton Cook

British Dictionary definitions for misinterpret

misinterpret

/ (ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːprɪt) /

verb

(tr) to interpret badly, misleadingly, or incorrectly

Derived forms of misinterpret

misinterpretation, nounmisinterpreter, noun

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

misinterpret

Origin of misinterpret

OTHER WORDS FROM misinterpret

Words related to misinterpret

How to use misinterpret in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for misinterpret

Derived forms of misinterpret