# misunderstand

> English word · Verb · IPA /mɪs.ʌn.də(ɹ)ˈstænd/ · frequency rank #23,906

## Definitions
1. To understand incorrectly, while believing one has understood correctly.

## Etymology
From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.

## Easily confused with
- **misunderstood** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misunderstand-vs-misunderstood)

## Common misspellings (21)
`imsunderstand`, `misnuderstand`, `missunderstand`, `misudnerstand`, `misundderstand`, `misunderrstand`, `misundersatnd`, `misundersstand`, `misunderstadn`, `misunderstandd`, `misunderstannd`, `misunderstnad`, `misundersttand`, `misundertsand`, `misundesrtand`, `misundrestand`, `misunedrstand`, `misunnderstand`, `miusnderstand`, `mmisunderstand`, `msiunderstand`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/misunderstand