misunderstanding
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ//
- United States//ˌmɪsʌndɚˈstændɪŋ//
A mistake as to the meaning of something or a specific point of view; erroneous interpretation or comprehension; misconception.
noun
- 1
A mistake as to the meaning of something or a specific point of view; erroneous interpretation or comprehension; misconception.
The worst distance between two people is misunderstanding. - Thoughtkick
- 2
A disagreement; difference of opinion; dissension; quarrel.
It was only months and months afterwards, when I made the attempt to recover what was left of the body, that I heard the original quarrel arose from a misunderstanding about some hens.
Etymology
From Middle English mys undirstonding, equivalent to misunderstand + -ing. Compare Dutch misverstand (“misunderstanding”), German Missverständnis (“misunderstanding”), Swedish missförstånd (“misunderstanding”).
verb
- 1
Also a form of misunderstandpresent participle and gerund of misunderstand
Forms
- plural
- misunderstandings
misunderstanding · A mistake as to the meaning of something or a specific point of view; erroneous interpretation or comprehension; misconception.
misunderstood · Not comprehended correctly.mitch · To pilfer; filch; steal.Mitch · A diminutive of the male given name Mitchell.