# misunderstand

/ˌmɪsəndɝˈstænd/ (US) · /mɪsˌʌndəstˈænd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/misunderstand
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to fail to understand something correctly. You use this when you get the wrong idea about what someone said or did.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am misunderstand you" but "I misunderstand you" — Learners often treat 'misunderstand' as an adjective with 'be' instead of using it as a main verb.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.