misunderstanding
UK: ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ | US: ˌmɪs.ʌn.dɚˈstæn.dɪŋ
n. a failure to interpret or comprehend something correctly
n. a disagreement or quarrel arising from a failure to communicate clearly
The word "misunderstanding" combines four morphemes:
- "mis-" (Old English, meaning "wrong" or "badly"),
- "under-" (Old English, meaning "beneath" or "less than"),
- "stand" (Old English "standan," meaning "to be in a position of comprehension"),
- "-ing" (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result).
Originally, "understand" itself meant "to stand under" (i.e., to grasp the foundation of something). Adding "mis-" negates this, implying a flawed or incorrect grasp. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote communication failures or erroneous interpretations.
The argument was just a simple misunderstanding.
Cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings.
She apologized for the misunderstanding and clarified her intentions.
The contract dispute arose from a misunderstanding of the terms.
His silence created a misunderstanding between them.