misunderstand

[mis-uhn-der-stand]

See more synonyms for misunderstand on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), mis·un·der·stood, mis·un·der·stand·ing.

to take (words, statements, etc.) in a wrong sense; understand wrongly.
to fail to understand or interpret rightly the words or behavior of.

Origin of misunderstand

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

Related formsmis·un·der·stand·er, noun

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

1. misconstrue, misapprehend, misinterpret.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for misunderstand

Contemporary Examples

Contraception is not abortion, and those who misunderstand this subject do harm to the pro-life cause.
Rand Paul’s Plan B for Pro-Life Critics
Olivia Nuzzi
October 5, 2014
The House Republicans, and, unfortunately, many of my brothers and sisters in the media, misunderstand what is going on here.
What the GOP Doesn’t Understand About the Debt
Daniel Gross
September 26, 2013
Adam Lankford on how we misunderstand the psychology of suicide bombers.
How Bullying Creates Suicide Bombers
Adam Lankford
December 30, 2012
But this, dear reader, is to misunderstand the point of the fast.
Today's Lamentations
Aryeh Cohen
July 29, 2012
That bill passed because North Dakota lawmakers “misunderstand the role of the FDA in approving drugs,” Kromenaker said.
Abortion Outposts in Arkansas, Dakotas Wary of Mississippi’s Fight
Allison Yarrow
July 13, 2012

Historical Examples

I am sure our own people will not misunderstand, nor will the world misconstrue.
United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches
Various
Cadge thinks me still betrothed to John, so she affected to misunderstand.
The Bacillus of Beauty
Harriet Stark
"You do not offend, but you misunderstand me," said Belinda.
Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
He said he didn't want me to misunderstand him and think he liked me, because he doesn't.
Good Indian
B. M. Bower
But of course I misunderstand people if they won't explain themselves.
The Incomplete Amorist
E. Nesbit

British Dictionary definitions for misunderstand

misunderstand

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

to fail to understand properly

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 misunderstand

v.

c.1200; see mis- (1) + understand. Related: Misunderstood; misunderstanding.

misunderstand

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;}}misunderstand

Synonyms

Related Words

Examples from the Web for misunderstand

Contemporary Examples

Contraception is not abortion, and those who misunderstand this subject do harm to the pro-life cause.

The House Republicans, and, unfortunately, many of my brothers and sisters in the media, misunderstand what is going on here.

Adam Lankford on how we misunderstand the psychology of suicide bombers.

But this, dear reader, is to misunderstand the point of the fast.

That bill passed because North Dakota lawmakers “misunderstand the role of the FDA in approving drugs,” Kromenaker said.

Historical Examples

I am sure our own people will not misunderstand, nor will the world misconstrue.

Cadge thinks me still betrothed to John, so she affected to misunderstand.

"You do not offend, but you misunderstand me," said Belinda.

He said he didn't want me to misunderstand him and think he liked me, because he doesn't.

But of course I misunderstand people if they won't explain themselves.

misunderstand

Word Origin and History for misunderstand

v.

Origin of misunderstand