misunderstand

UK: ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstænd | US: ˌmɪs.ʌn.dɚˈstænd

Definition

  1. vt. to interpret or perceive incorrectly; fail to grasp the true meaning of something

Structure
mis <wrongly>under <below>stand <to be upright>
Etymology

The word "misunderstand" combines three morphemes:

  1. "mis-" (Old English "mis-," meaning "wrongly" or "badly"),
  2. "under" (Old English "under," meaning "beneath" or "below"),
  3. "stand" (Old English "standan," meaning "to be upright" or "to take a position").

Originally, "understand" (Old English "understandan") meant "to stand among" or "grasp the meaning of." Adding "mis-" flips the meaning to "fail to grasp correctly." The logic reflects a physical metaphor—standing in the wrong place to perceive something accurately.

Examples

  1. She misunderstood his sarcasm and took his comment seriously.

  2. Many students misunderstand the instructions if they don’t read them carefully.

  3. Cultural differences can cause people to misunderstand each other’s intentions.

  4. He apologized after realizing he had misunderstood her question.

  5. The contract was unclear, leading both parties to misunderstand their obligations.