misunderstanding
/ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ/ (ame, mw)
misunderstanding — noun
- misunderstandingsingular
- misunderstandingsplural
1. taking someone's words or actions in a way that was not meant, so that you end u
taking someone's words or actions in a way that was not meant, so that you end up with the wrong idea about what they intended.
Talia's misunderstanding of the email led her to the wrong building for the meeting.
misunderstanding + of [noun phrase]
There seems to be a misunderstanding — I never said the project was due on Friday.
A simple misunderstanding about the price made Yumi pay twice as much.
The misunderstanding arose because Caio had written the date in the European format.
Cultural differences can easily lead to misunderstanding between people from different countries.
- misinterpretation
focuses on putting a wrong meaning on words or actions, implying an error of interpretation rather than of hearing or reading
- mix-up
informal; refers to a practical error involving names, times, or locations
- confusion
broader term; suggests a general state of being bewildered or uncertain rather than a specific mistaken reading
- understanding
correct grasp of what someone means
文法句型
a misunderstanding of/about/over + noun
there is/was a misunderstanding
用法筆記
Countable when referring to a specific instance (a misunderstanding about the time); uncountable when used more generally (avoid misunderstanding). Sense 1 is the only sense that can be uncountable.
常見錯誤
2. a small disagreement between people, often because they have not communicated cl
a small disagreement between people, often because they have not communicated clearly with each other or because one person has taken something the wrong way.
Rachel and her flatmate had a misunderstanding about cleaning the kitchen.
have a misunderstanding with someone + about + [topic]
The misunderstanding between Iker and Folake was quickly resolved after they talked it over.
misunderstanding between [people] + resolved
A small misunderstanding at work grew into an argument between two departments.
Ayesha refused to speak to Trang for days after their misunderstanding about the holiday plans.
Mert tried to smooth things over after the misunderstanding with his neighbour over the fence.
- disagreement
more neutral and slightly broader; can range from minor to serious
- quarrel
stronger and more emotional than a misunderstanding, often involving raised voices
- falling-out
informal; suggests a temporary break in a relationship over a disagreement
- agreement
when people share the same view or reach a common understanding
- reconciliation
the act of repairing a relationship after a disagreement
文法句型
have a misunderstanding with someone
a misunderstanding between [people]
用法筆記
Almost always countable with the indefinite article a/an or a possessive (my misunderstanding with him). This sense is less serious than quarrel or dispute — it usually implies the disagreement can be resolved through better communication.