misunderstood (B1)

verb (past participle), adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌmɪsʌndərˈstʊd/

Definition

Incorrectly interpreted or comprehended; having one's words or actions taken in a way not intended.

Examples

• Her quietness was often misunderstood as rudeness, when in fact she was just shy.

• The artist felt his abstract work was frequently misunderstood by the general public.

• Due to the poor connection, a crucial part of the message was misunderstood.

How to Use misunderstood

to be misunderstood (collocation)

to have one's intentions or words incorrectly interpreted by others — "He often felt he was misunderstood by his parents."

misunderstood genius (collocation)

a person of great intellect whose ideas are not appreciated or comprehended by their contemporaries — "Many artists are considered misunderstood geniuses in their lifetime."

Synonyms of misunderstood

Words with a similar meaning to misunderstood:

• mistaken
• misinterpreted
• misconstrued
• misapprehended

Antonyms of misunderstood

Words with the opposite meaning to misunderstood:

• understood
• clear

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary