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Misunderstandings: meaning, definitions and examples

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misunderstandings

 

[ ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in communication

A failure to understand or interpret correctly the words or behavior of someone else.

Synonyms

confusion, misconception, misinterpretation

Examples of usage

  • He often found himself getting into arguments because of misunderstandings.
  • There were many misunderstandings between the two friends, leading to a strained relationship.
Context #2 | Noun

in a relationship

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

Synonyms

conflict, disagreement, misalignment

Examples of usage

  • The couple had many misunderstandings that caused tension in their relationship.
  • Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To fail to understand or interpret correctly.

Synonyms

confuse, misinterpret, misperceive

Examples of usage

  • I'm sorry if I misunderstood your intentions.
  • We must clarify our instructions to avoid being misunderstood.

Translations

Translations of the word "misunderstandings" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal-entendidos

🇮🇳 गलतफहमियाँ

🇩🇪 Missverständnisse

🇮🇩 kesalahpahaman

🇺🇦 непорозуміння

🇵🇱 nieporozumienia

🇯🇵 誤解

🇫🇷 malentendus

🇪🇸 malentendidos

🇹🇷 yanlış anlaşılmalar

🇰🇷 오해

🇸🇦 سوء الفهم

🇨🇿 nedorozumění

🇸🇰 nedorozumenia

🇨🇳 误解

🇸🇮 nesporazumi

🇮🇸 misskilning

🇰🇿 түсінбеушілік

🇬🇪 არასწორი გაგება

🇦🇿 yanlış anlaşılma

🇲🇽 malentendidos

Etymology

The word 'misunderstanding' dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly' and 'understanding'. It originally referred to a mistake in understanding or interpreting something. Over time, it has come to encompass various forms of miscommunication and disagreements. The concept of misunderstandings has been explored in literature, philosophy, and everyday life, highlighting the importance of clear communication and empathy in human interactions.

See also: misunderstand, misunderstanding, understandability, understandable, understandably, understanding, understandingly, understood.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,344, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.