take the wrong way
Word Rarity
Common
Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.20 in modern English
32
Scrabble Score
15
Letters
1
Syllables
11
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To misunderstand (something), especially in a case of mistakenly regarding someone's behavior or remarks as offensive or hostile.
Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- ""[N]ow you do see what I mean, don't you, now? And you won't take it the wrong way? No, I was sure you wouldn't. There, now, we'll shake 'ands over it, and be as good friends as ever.""
- "Mr. Feeney said that it was all just a joke, and that he hoped nobody took it the wrong way. "I apologize to the extent that my remarks offended anyone," he said."
- "Colbert asked him about his three failed attempts to climb Mount Everest. Colbert: "Don't take this the wrong way, but doesn't that make you a quitter?""
Usage
Inflected Forms
takes the wrong way (present, singular)
taking the wrong way (participle, present)
took the wrong way (past)
taken the wrong way (participle, past)
Phrases
rub the wrong way
Frequently Paired Words
rub the wrong way