ENGLISH
REFERENCE

misunderstand

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌmɪsəndɝˈstænd// UK //mɪsˌʌndəstˈænd// mis·un·der·stand

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

Pitfall

I am misunderstand youI misunderstand youLearners often treat 'misunderstand' as an adjective with 'be' instead of using it as a main verb.

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