misread

American  

[mis-reed] / mɪsˈrid /

verb (used with or without object)

misread, misreading

1. to read wrongly.

2. to misunderstand or misinterpret.

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misread British  

/ ˌmɪsˈriːd /

verb

1. to read incorrectly

2. to misinterpret

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Other Word Forms

• misreader noun

Etymology

Origin of misread

First recorded in 1800–10; mis- ¹ + read ¹

Explanation

To misread something is to read it but understand it in the wrong way. If you misread an article about local politics, you might end up supporting a candidate whose views you don't actually agree with. When you interpret a book, online article, or magazine story incorrectly, you misread it. You can also misread people, when you don't understand how they feel or what they intend: "She tended to misread cranky customers at the coffee shop, thinking they were joking when they were actually angry about something." The prefix mis- means "bad" or "wrong," and read can mean both "comprehend printed matter" or "make out a person's character."

Example Sentences

“When shows come back after a gap, they can misread what audiences connected to in the first place,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

DeRosa, an MLB Network analyst, said afterward that he had “misspoke” during his interview and “completely misread the calculations.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Study co-author Dr Emily Goldacre said toys like Gabbo could "misread emotions or respond inappropriately" and was concerned that "children may be left without comfort from the toy and without adult support, either".

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

If that condition is misread, markets will break down.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Maybe I misread and he didn’t skip a grade and is coming next fall?

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• confuse
• miscalculate
• misconstrue
• misinterpret
• misjudge