Misinterpretation

/ˌmɪsˌɪn.təː.prɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The action of interpreting something incorrectly or misunderstanding it.
His misinterpretation of the instructions led to a failed experiment.
A misunderstanding of a message or situation.
The misinterpretation of her words caused a rift between the friends.
An inaccurate interpretation of data or information.
The misinterpretation of the survey results resulted in flawed conclusions.
An error in understanding someone’s intent or feelings.
Her misinterpretation of his silence led her to believe he was upset.

Etymology

From the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong or bad, and the word 'interpretation', which derives from Latin 'interpretatio'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to misinterpret the signals
To understand signals or cues incorrectly.
misinterpret someone's intentions
To misunderstand what someone means or wants.
misinterpret the message
To wrongly understand the meaning of a conveyed message.

Related Words

interpretation
The action of explaining the meaning of something.
understanding
The ability to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something.
context
The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea.

Slang Meanings

Get it twisted
If you get it twisted, you might misinterpret what I said.
Read between the lines wrong
You read between the lines wrong, leading to a major misinterpretation.