Basic Details
Word: Misunderstand
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To understand something incorrectly or to make a mistake in interpreting information.
Synonyms: Misinterpret, misconceive, misread
Antonyms: Understand, comprehend, grasp
Idioms and Phrases
- Get the wrong end of the stick: To misunderstand something completely. Example: "When she said she couldn't come, I got the wrong end of the stick and thought she was angry."
- Crossed wires: To misunderstand due to confusion or miscommunication. Example: "There were crossed wires in our conversation, so I thought you wanted to meet on Saturday, not Friday."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I always seem to misunderstand the teacher’s instructions during class.
Example 2: If you misunderstand the question, it may lead to an incorrect answer on the test.
Example 3: Sometimes, people misunderstand each other's intentions, causing unnecessary arguments.
Fun Fact
The word "misunderstand" comes from the prefix "mis-" meaning wrong or bad, and "understand" which stems from Old English "understandan" meaning to comprehend or grasp. It reflects the nature of getting something not just different, but incorrect.
Famous Quote
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." – George Bernard Shaw
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "misunderstand" mean?
a) To understand correctly
b) To understand something incorrectly
c) To ignore information
d) To learn something new
Answer: b) To understand something incorrectly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "misunderstand"?
a) Misinterpret
b) Evaluate
c) Comprehend
d) Discuss
Answer: a) Misinterpret
3. What is an antonym of "misunderstand"?
a) Misread
b) Resolve
c) Understand
d) Confuse
Answer: c) Understand
4. Which sentence uses "misunderstand" correctly?
a) I always misunderstand how to tie my shoelaces.
b) I misunderstood her because she spoke too quickly.
c) He misunderstood the recipe and used less sugar.
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
5. What does the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" mean?
a) To understand something correctly
b) To misunderstand something completely
c) To talk about something
d) To listen carefully
Answer: b) To misunderstand something completely
