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verb

misread

mihs-REED

Misread (verb) means to read or interpret something wrongly. Example: “He misread the instructions and installed the shelf upside down.”

verb
1
To read or interpret something wrongly.
"He misread the instructions and installed the shelf upside down."
"She misread his silence as agreement."
noun
1
An instance of reading or interpreting something wrongly.
"The referee admitted it was a misread of the rulebook."

How to use misread

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get the wrong idea from something written, or from a situation you "read" like a mood or intention.

Common pairings
misread the situation misread a signal commonly misread

Word forms

misread past tense, misreads plural, misreads singular

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Test yourself on “misread” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the instructions and installed the shelf upside down.

Etymology

From Old English mis- ("wrongly") plus read, going back to misrǣdan, "to advise or read incorrectly."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for misread

See all rhymes for misread →

Frequently asked questions

What does “misread” mean?

The word “misread” means to read or interpret something wrongly. In plain terms, to get the wrong idea from something written, or from a situation you "read" like a mood or intention.

How do you pronounce “misread”?

“Misread” is pronounced mihs-REED (/mɪsˈɹiːd/ in IPA).

How do you use “misread” in a sentence?

Here is “misread” used in a sentence: “He misread the instructions and installed the shelf upside down.”

What part of speech is “misread”?

Depending on how it is used, “misread” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “misread” come from?

The word “misread” comes from Old English. From Old English mis- ("wrongly") plus read, going back to misrǣdan, "to advise or read incorrectly.".

How many meanings does “misread” have?

“Misread” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to read or interpret something wrongly.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial