misjudge
UK: ˌmɪsˈdʒʌdʒ | US: ˌmɪsˈdʒʌdʒ
vt. to form an incorrect or unfair opinion about someone or something
vt. to estimate or assess something wrongly
The word "misjudge" combines the prefix "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrong" or "badly") with the verb "judge" (from Latin "judicare," meaning "to assess or decide"). The prefix "mis-" often negates or reverses the meaning of the root, as seen in words like "misunderstand" or "mistake." Here, it implies an erroneous or flawed act of judgment. The logical progression reflects a deviation from correct evaluation, emphasizing the error in the process.
She misjudged the distance and fell into the pool.
Don’t misjudge his silence as indifference; he’s just shy.
The coach misjudged the opponent’s strategy and lost the game.
Historians often misjudge the impact of minor events.
He admitted he had misjudged her character entirely.