misunderstand

[mis-uhn-der-stand]

verb (used with object)

misunderstood, misunderstanding 

1. to take (words, statements, etc.) in a wrong sense; understand wrongly.

   Synonyms: misinterpret, misapprehend, misconstrue

2. to fail to understand or interpret rightly the words or behavior of.

misunderstand

/ ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd /

verb

1. to fail to understand properly

Other Word Forms

• misunderstander noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misunderstand¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, misunderstand is from the Middle English word misunderstanden. See mis- ¹, understand

Example Sentences

"There is a bit of a misunderstanding between them," added the Portugal boss.

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There has been a misunderstanding in some quarters, and seemingly from Townsend himself, about the nature of much of the criticism around the 33-24 defeat to Argentina.

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Because of this unfortunate misunderstanding, the spooky Madame might not be a welcome visitor at Ashton Place, which gave her good reason to travel in disguise.

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“Yes, I’m well aware. It was all a misunderstanding. We’ll straighten things out tomorrow.”

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“As I said, it is a misunderstanding. Do you remember the velocipede I was riding yesterday?”

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Related Words

• confuse 
• miscalculate 
• misconstrue 
• misinterpret 
• misjudge 
• misread