Words / B1

mis-und-uh-STAND/ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd/

To misunderstand is to fail to understand correctly. Understand is the base (already in the dictionary); a misunderstanding is the noun. Mix-up: misinterpret (already in the dictionary, often of meaning). Grade boundaries: do not misunderstand a 4.

Meaning

To fail to understand someone or something correctly.

Examples

• “Do not misunderstand the grade boundaries: 4 is a standard pass.”
• “Staff misunderstood the memo and closed the desk at noon.”

Good to know

misunderstand + noun / clause. Noun: a misunderstanding. Close: misinterpret. Exams / workplace. Past: misunderstood.

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