Misapprehend: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when someone fails to grasp or understand an idea or situation correctly, often due to a fundamental flaw in comprehension. It can be seen in more formal or literary contexts.

• She seemed to misapprehend the professor's lecture and got confused about the main point.
• The ambassador feared that his friendly gesture might be misapprehended as weakness.

This is a more general term used when someone comprehends something incorrectly. It is suitable for everyday situations and is the most commonly used among the synonyms.

• I misunderstood the meeting time and arrived late.
• They had a simple misunderstanding that led to a big argument.

This word is appropriate when someone interprets words, actions, or intentions incorrectly. It often has a slightly negative tone, implying a considerable mistake in understanding.

• He misconstrued her silence as disapproval.
• His well-intentioned advice was misconstrued as criticism.

Use this term when someone explains or understands something wrongly, particularly in situations involving language, symbols, or communications. It can apply to both formal and informal circumstances.

• She misinterpreted his friendly comments as flirtation.
• The ancient text was misinterpreted by several scholars.