Want to say misunderstand differently? Here are other words for misunderstand and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of misunderstand
The primary meaning of the word "misunderstand" is to interpret or understand something incorrectly.
Etymology of misunderstand
The word "misunderstand" originates from the Old English words "mis" (meaning "wrongly" or "badly") and "understandan" (meaning "to understand"), with the prefix "mis-" indicating a negative or incorrect sense.
Historical usage of the word dates back to the 15th century, where it was used to describe a failure to comprehend or interpret something correctly.
Synonyms
misinterpret
misread
misjudge
mistake
misconstrue
misapprehend
misunderstand
miscomprehend
misperceive
confuse
mix up
get wrong
mistake
misconceive
misestimate
miscalculate
misreckon
misgauge
misassess
misevaluate
overestimate
underestimate
distort
twist
pervert
garble
mangle
botch
bungle
flub
fumble
blunder
err
slip up
trip up
go astray
stray
lose one's way
be misled
be mistaken
be deceived
be deluded
be confused
be perplexed
be baffled
be bewildered
be flummoxed
be stumped
be puzzled
be mystified
be nonplussed
Definitions
- To interpret or understand something incorrectly or wrongly
- To fail to understand or interpret something correctly
- To have a mistaken or incorrect idea about something
Usage Examples
- I think you misunderstand the situation, it's not as simple as you think.
- She misunderstood the instructions and ended up doing the opposite of what was required.
- He misunderstood the tone of the email and thought it was sarcastic when it was actually sincere.
Antonyms
comprehend
understand
grasp
apprehend
perceive
realize
recognize
know
appreciate
fathom
discern
see
notice
discover
learn
absorb
assimilate
digest
interpret
decode
unravel
untangle
clarify
elucidate
expound
explain
explicate
illumine
illuminate
enlighten
inform
edify
instruct
teach
tutor
guide
direct
advise
counsel
apprise
notify
acquaint