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.
Make your wisdom easy to digest and impossible to misunderstand. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 If social media is any indication, some locals (and Karri) misunderstood the signup form and accidentally opted-in to getting alerts via text, phone and email... Karri Peifer, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025 People can misunderstand the rules, such as those involving eligibility of dependents, filing status and earnings. Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 Trump fundamentally misunderstands the role that parents play — often tirelessly — in working with school officials to assure that their trans child is respected and affirmed in school, allowing those students to learn and mature in a safe environment. Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstand. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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