misunderstand
mihs-uhn-duh-STAND
Misunderstand (verb) means to understand something incorrectly. Example: “I think you misunderstood what I meant.”
verb
1
To understand something incorrectly.
"I think you misunderstood what I meant."
"It's easy to misunderstand sarcasm in a text message."
How to use misunderstand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get the wrong idea about what someone said or meant.
Common pairings
easily misunderstood
misunderstand a joke
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like misunderstand.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- misunderstands
- Past tense
- misunderstood
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's easy to _____ sarcasm in a text message.
Etymology
From mis- ("wrongly") plus understand.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for misunderstand
See all rhymes for misunderstand →Frequently asked questions
What does “misunderstand” mean?
The word “misunderstand” means to understand something incorrectly. In plain terms, to get the wrong idea about what someone said or meant.
How do you pronounce “misunderstand”?
“Misunderstand” is pronounced mihs-uhn-duh-STAND (/mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “misunderstand” in a sentence?
Here is “misunderstand” used in a sentence: “It's easy to misunderstand sarcasm in a text message.”
What part of speech is “misunderstand”?
“Misunderstand” is a verb.
Is “misunderstand” a common word?
“Misunderstand” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
