Misunderstanding: meaning, definitions and examples

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misunderstanding

[ ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

in communication

A situation where there is a failure to understand something correctly, causing confusion or disagreement.

Synonyms

conflict, confusion, misinterpretation

Examples of usage

There was a misunderstanding between the two friends, but they were able to clear it up through open communication.
The misunderstanding arose from a lack of clarity in the instructions given.

^{Context #2}

in relationships

A disagreement or difference in opinion between people, often due to miscommunication or misinterpretation.

Synonyms

disagreement, discord, misconception

Examples of usage

The misunderstanding between the colleagues led to tension in the workplace.
Misunderstandings can be avoided by actively listening to each other.

^{Context #3}

in literature

A plot device used in storytelling where characters misinterpret each other's intentions or actions, leading to dramatic or comedic situations.

Synonyms

confusion, misconception, misinterpretation

Examples of usage

The comedy of errors was based on a series of misunderstandings between the characters.
The novel's climax was a result of a misunderstanding between the protagonist and the antagonist.

Translations

Translations of the word "misunderstanding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal-entendido

incompreensão
desentendimento

🇮🇳 गलतफहमी

🇩🇪 Missverständnis

🇮🇩 kesalahpahaman

🇺🇦 непорозуміння

🇵🇱 nieporozumienie

🇯🇵 誤解 (gokai)

🇫🇷 malentendu

🇪🇸 malentendido

🇹🇷 yanlış anlama

🇰🇷 오해 (ohae)

🇸🇦 سوء تفاهم (soo’ tafahum)

🇨🇿 nedorozumění

🇸🇰 nedorozumenie

🇨🇳 误解 (wùjiě)

🇸🇮 nesporazum

🇮🇸 misskilning

🇰🇿 түсінбеушілік

🇬🇪 არასწორი გაგება

🇦🇿 anlaşılmazlıq

🇲🇽 malentendido

Word origin

The word 'misunderstanding' originated from the combination of 'mis-' (meaning 'wrongly') and 'understanding' (from Old English 'understandan' meaning 'comprehend'). It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of misunderstandings has been explored in literature and communication studies as a common source of conflict and confusion.