Word
misunderstand
Phoneticsmis·un·der·stand, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌmɪsəndɝˈstænd/
UK/mɪsˌʌndəstˈænd/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
misunderstand
Past
misunderstood
Past participle
misunderstood
Definition
v. to fail to understand something correctly. You use this when you get the wrong idea about what someone said or did.
v. to fail to interpret or perceive a meaning correctly; to form a mistaken conception of a statement or action.
Examples
“I am sorry, I think I misunderstand your question.”
“It is easy to misunderstand someone's tone of voice when you are communicating only through text messages.”
“The diplomat warned that if the opposing side were to misunderstand the terms of the treaty, it could lead to a total breakdown in negotiations.”
Examples
simple
“I am sorry, I think I misunderstand your question.”
contextual
“It is easy to misunderstand someone's tone of voice when you are communicating only through text messages.”
complex
“The diplomat warned that if the opposing side were to misunderstand the terms of the treaty, it could lead to a total breakdown in negotiations.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
I am misunderstand you
I misunderstand you
Learners often treat 'misunderstand' as an adjective with 'be' instead of using it as a main verb.
Etymology
From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/misunderstand