Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

misunderstand

/mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.15 in modern English

Syllables: mis-un-der-stand
IPA: /mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/

17

Scrabble Score

13

Letters

4

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To understand incorrectly, while believing one has understood correctly.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"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."

Etymology

From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Prefix: mis
Root: mys-understanden

Regional Pronunciation

British English: /mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

misunderstands (present, singular) misunderstanding (participle, present) misunderstood (participle, past) misunderstood (past)

Derived Forms

misunderestimate misunderstandable misunderstander misunderstanding misunderstandingly

Frequently Paired Words

misinterpret

Synonyms

take the wrong way misconstrue misinterpret misconceive misapprehend be amiss

Rhymes With

hand understand right-hand land left-hand stand band grand demand brand command planned

Questions

How do you pronounce misunderstand?: The recorded pronunciation is /mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/.
What does misunderstand mean?: To understand incorrectly, while believing one has understood correctly.
Where does misunderstand come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce misunderstand

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “misunderstand”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “misunderstand”.
Repeat and practice — Say “misunderstand” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.