Misunderstand
/mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo understand incorrectly, while believing one has understood correctly.
Sentence Examples
It appears to me that we misunderstand him.
Don't misunderstand me; we are not making any promises.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The government's confusing announcement was meant to make citizens ____ the new policy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I am sorry, I did not mean to ____ your instructions I will make sure to follow them very carefully from now on.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"We found that teen drivers and the public largely misunderstand the legal status of cannabis use and do not fully recognize the risks of cannabis-impaired driving."
— 2024, NTSB, Intersection Crash Between Passenger Car and Combination Vehicle, Tishomingo, Oklahoma, March 22, 2022:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The government's confusing announcement was meant to make citizens ____ the new policy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I am sorry, I did not mean to ____ your instructions I will make sure to follow them very carefully from now on.