misinterpret

[mis-in-tur-prit]

See more synonyms for misinterpret on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with or without object)

to interpret, explain, or understand incorrectly.

Origin of misinterpret

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

Related formsmis·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. 2018

Examples from the Web for misinterpreted

Contemporary Examples

According to Schumer, Obama and his administration had misinterpreted their 2008 electoral mandate.
2016 Is No Democratic Slam Dunk
Lloyd Green
December 1, 2014
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
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
She talked about a recent opposition art project that Putin misinterpreted.
Pussy Riot’s Yekaterina Samutsevich Speaks Out
Anna Nemtsova
November 30, 2012
It is a narrative grounded in evidence that has been “rejected, suppressed, misinterpreted,” Morris says.
Errol Morris’s “A Wilderness of Error” Revisits Jeffrey MacDonald Case
Raymond Bonner
August 30, 2012

Historical Examples

The reservations placed upon our adherence should not be misinterpreted.
United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches
Various
Richard caught the glance and misinterpreted it for one of reproof.
Mistress Wilding
Rafael Sabatini
What if she should have misinterpreted this character so full of indecision?
Gerald Fitzgerald
Charles James Lever
"Nay, sir; you have misinterpreted my meaning," said the Knight, calmly.
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. II (of II)
Charles James Lever
His action was misinterpreted by the soldier who had captured the boy.
Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal
G. Harvey Ralphson

British Dictionary definitions for misinterpreted

misinterpret

verb

(tr) to interpret badly, misleadingly, or incorrectly

Derived Formsmisinterpretation, 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

Word Origin and History for misinterpreted

misinterpret

v.

1580s, from mis- (1) + interpret. Related: Misinterpreted; misinterpreting.

misinterpret

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}misinterpret

Examples from the Web for misinterpreted

Contemporary Examples

According to Schumer, Obama and his administration had misinterpreted their 2008 electoral mandate.

So, people have misinterpreted the word “feminist” to be a dividing word as opposed to a uniting one.

Elvis (n.): A Christmas elf, as misinterpreted by Alana, who in one episode mistakes, “Elvis helps Santa Claus make toys.”

She talked about a recent opposition art project that Putin misinterpreted.

It is a narrative grounded in evidence that has been “rejected, suppressed, misinterpreted,” Morris says.

Historical Examples

The reservations placed upon our adherence should not be misinterpreted.

Richard caught the glance and misinterpreted it for one of reproof.

What if she should have misinterpreted this character so full of indecision?

"Nay, sir; you have misinterpreted my meaning," said the Knight, calmly.

His action was misinterpreted by the soldier who had captured the boy.

misinterpret

Word Origin and History for misinterpreted

misinterpret

v.

Origin of misinterpret