misinterpretation

noun

mis·​in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion ˌmi-sᵊn-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

-pə-

plural misinterpretations

: failure to understand or interpret something correctly

an error caused by misinterpretation of the rules

: a mistaken interpretation

… it soon becomes obvious to workers in the field that misunderstandings and misinterpretations of conventional terms seriously interfere with scholarly communication.

—Juergan Eichhoff

Synonyms

• incomprehension
• misapprehension
• misconstruction
• misconstruing
• misimpression
• misknowledge
• misreading
• misunderstanding

Examples of misinterpretation in a Sentence

his misinterpretation of the ambiguously worded instructions was hardly his fault

Recent Examples on the Web

But the debate over nativity scenes in public places began in the later part of the century, rooted in a fundamental misinterpretation of what the Founders intended in the text of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

This clear language outlines the exact amount, payment schedule, method and additional terms, leaving little room for misinterpretation or disputes. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

In stark contrast, two years later, Governor Hogan failed to intervene when the Maryland Transit Administration raised bus fares — despite concerns that the rate hike might be based on a misinterpretation of state law. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024

But others claim the reporting is a misinterpretation of Braun’s career shift. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above