misperceive

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɪs.pərˈsiːv/

KK: /mɪsˈpɜːrˌsiːv/

transitive verb

Definition

To understand something in a wrong way or to have a false impression about it.

Example

She misperceived his intentions and thought he was being rude.

Tense Forms

Past: misperceived

Past Participle: misperceived

Conversation

I think you might misperceive what she meant during the meeting.

Really? I thought she was upset with my ideas.

No, I believe she was just trying to offer feedback, not criticize.

That makes sense; I guess I need to listen more carefully.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

misunderstand

mistake

misjudge

Antonyms

understand

perceive

discern

Root Explanation

Misperceive → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "perceive" (from Latin "percipere", meaning to seize or take in). The word "misperceive" means to wrongly seize or take in information, leading to a misunderstanding.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly and 'perceive' meaning to take in information — so misperceive means to take in information wrongly.

Visually Confused Words

misreceive