misinterpret — to understand wrongly; to explain the meaning of something incorrectly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to understand wrongly; to explain the meaning of something incorrectly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
Example Sentences
- The alien misinterpreted our peace sign as a declaration of war and invaded Earth with rubber ducks.
- Don't misinterpret my criticism as personal attack - I'm just trying to help.
- The GPS misinterpreted 'fastest route' as 'most scenic route through every pothole in the city.'
misinterpret
VERB[/ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/]
to understand wrongly; to explain the meaning of something incorrectly
He completely misinterpreted her wave goodbye as a romantic signal.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Misinterpret derives from the prefix mis- (meaning wrongly or badly) combined with interpret, which comes from Middle French interpréter and Latin interpretari. The Latin root originally meant to explain, translate, or expound the meaning of something.
Breakdown
mis- (wrongly, badly) + interpret (from Latin interpretari, to explain or translate). The prefix mis- negates or reverses the intended action, creating the sense of incorrect or faulty explanation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The alien misinterpreted our peace sign as a declaration of war and invaded Earth with rubber ducks.”
“Don't misinterpret my criticism as personal attack - I'm just trying to help.”
“The GPS misinterpreted 'fastest route' as 'most scenic route through every pothole in the city.'”
“Researchers warn against misinterpreting preliminary results as final conclusions.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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