misunderstanding
[mis-uhn-der-stan-ding]
- failure to understand correctly; mistake as to meaning or intent.
- a disagreement or quarrel.
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Origin of misunderstanding
Synonyms
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2. concord.
misunderstand
[mis-uhn-der-stand]
- to take (words, statements, etc.) in a wrong sense; understand wrongly.
- to fail to understand or interpret rightly the words or behavior of.
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Origin of misunderstand
First recorded in 1150–1200, misunderstand is from the Middle English word misunderstanden. See mis-1, understand
Synonyms
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
misinterpretationconfusionmisjudgmenterrormisconceptionmix-upmistakeriftsquabbleclashdiscorddisagreementdissensionfeuddifficultybreachdifferenceconflictquarreldelusionExamples from the Web for misunderstanding
Contemporary Examples
What conflicts do exist between them derive from misunderstanding and accident.
Somehow, the brevity of the message creates an inverse potential for misunderstanding.
The authors categorized responses that indicated a misunderstanding of possible benefit as “germs are germs” beliefs.
Without Education, Antibiotic Resistance Will Be Our Greatest Health CrisisRussell Saunders
December 19, 2014
When the story surfaced in the press, Shumlin backtracked and said it all been a misunderstanding.
Do say ‘Olga, there has been a misunderstanding, for which I wanted to apologise.’
Historical Examples
"I shall not interfere with that arrangement," said the lawyer, misunderstanding his object.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government.
And let there be no misunderstanding—we are going to begin to act, beginning today.
It had come only after many days of misunderstanding and doubt.
Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton CampusJessie Graham Flower
In this matter there must be no indefiniteness, no chance for misunderstanding.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
misunderstanding
- a failure to understand properly
- a disagreement
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misunderstand
- to fail to understand properly
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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 misunderstanding
n.
"want of understanding," mid-15c., from present participle of misunderstand.
When misunderstanding serves others as an advantage, one is helpless to make oneself understood. [Lionel Trilling]
Meaning "dissention, disagreement" is first recorded 1640s.
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misunderstand
v.
c.1200; see mis- (1) + understand. Related: Misunderstood; misunderstanding.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper