B2verbrelationshipslanguage
US/ˌmɪs.ʌn.dərˈstænd/
UK/ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstænd/
to understand someone or something wrongly
In context
Please don't misunderstand me; I really like your idea.
Many tourists misunderstand the local customs and accidentally offend people.
I think you are misunderstanding the question; read it again slowly.
Words that go with misunderstand
adverb + verb
- often misunderstoodShy people are often misunderstood; others think they are rude.
- completely misunderstoodI'm afraid you completely misunderstood what I said.
- easily misunderstoodJokes in emails are easily misunderstood.
- widely misunderstoodThe new tax rules are widely misunderstood.
- deliberately misunderstandHe seems to deliberately misunderstand my instructions so he can avoid work.
verb + noun
- misunderstand the questionStudents who misunderstand the question usually lose a lot of marks.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
There was a small misunderstand between us.Correct: There was a small misunderstanding between us.