misunderstand

verb

mis·​un·​der·​stand (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstand How to pronounce misunderstand (audio)
misunderstood (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d How to pronounce misunderstand (audio) ; misunderstanding

transitive verb

1
: to fail to understand
2
: to interpret incorrectly

Examples of misunderstand in a Sentence

Don't misunderstand me—I'm not criticizing your decision. He feels that the critics have completely misunderstood his movies. She expressed herself in clear terms that no one could misunderstand.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can be due to fear of change, misunderstanding the concept, or a complicated decision-making process. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 But a careful reading of the two candidates’ records shows that Harris’s work as vice president has been generally misunderstood by the public and that Trump’s border policies as president were considerably less effective than many Americans seem to believe. Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 While having not entered a formal plea yet, Sinclair, through his lawyers, is insisting on his innocence and that the DOJ has misunderstood his financial arrangements. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2024 Often misunderstood in childhood, these leaders make decisions based on comparison (and ego) rather than what’s genuinely best for the business. Marina Suholutsky, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for misunderstand 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misunderstand was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near misunderstand

Cite this Entry

“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstand. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

misunderstand

verb
mis·​un·​der·​stand (ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstand How to pronounce misunderstand (audio)
misunderstood -ˈstu̇d How to pronounce misunderstand (audio) ; misunderstanding
1
: to fail to understand
2
: to interpret incorrectly

More from Merriam-Webster on misunderstand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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