misunderstand

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˌmɪsʌndərˈstænd/

KK: /mɪsˌʌndərˈstænd/

transitive verb

Definition

To interpret something in a wrong way or to fail to understand it correctly.

Example

I think you misunderstood my question.

Tense Forms

Past: misunderstood

Past Participle: misunderstood

Conversation

I think you might have misunderstand what I meant earlier.

Oh really? I thought you were talking about the party this weekend.

No, I was referring to the meeting we have on Monday.

Got it! Thanks for clearing that up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

misinterpret

mistake

confuse

Antonyms

understand

comprehend

grasp

Root Explanation

Misunderstand → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "understand" (from Old English "understandan", meaning to stand in the midst of or comprehend). The word "misunderstand" means to comprehend something wrongly or incorrectly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'understand' as standing in the midst of something — so to misunderstand is to stand wrongly in the midst of understanding.

Visually Confused Words

remisunderstand