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.
Bonifacio’s attorney, Javier Solano, told Newsday his client doesn’t speak English well and may have misunderstood what the officer asked him. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025 There is no place on the bench for someone who so deeply misunderstands the role of a judge and the administration of justice. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 But campaigners warn that such reform misunderstands the nature of femicide and will put Argentine women in greater danger. Betiana Fernández Martino, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025 But this narrative also fundamentally misunderstands the purpose of D.E.I. within large institutions. Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near misunderstand

Cite this Entry

“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstand. Accessed 11 Feb. 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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