Misunderstandable: meaning, definitions and examples
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misunderstandable
[ ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændəbl ]
communication issue
Misunderstandable refers to something that can be easily misunderstood or misinterpreted. It is often used to describe statements, actions, or situations that lack clarity and can lead to confusion.
Synonyms
ambiguous, confusing, unclear, vague.
Examples of usage
- His instructions were convoluted and thus, quite misunderstandable.
- In a multicultural setting, some expressions can be misunderstandable.
- The misunderstandable nature of the joke led to an awkward situation.
- Any misunderstandable remark can escalate a minor disagreement.
Etymology
The term 'misunderstandable' combines the prefix 'mis-', meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly', with 'understandable', which derives from 'understand' and the suffix '-able', indicating capability. The root 'understand' comes from the Old English 'understandan', which means to 'comprehend' or 'grasp the idea'. Over time, as language evolved, the need to convey potential confusion or ambiguity in communication brought forth the term 'misunderstandable'. This word encapsulates a common experience in human interaction, where meanings are not conveyed as intended, highlighting the complexities of language and comprehension. The concept has become especially relevant in diverse and multi-lingual contexts, where misunderstandings are frequent due to cultural differences.