Misinterpret
/ˌmɪs.ɪnˈtɜːr.prɪt/noun
To explain or understand something incorrectly.
Did you know?The core verb comes from Latin *interpretari*, originally tied to acting as a go-between or translator, so a misinterpretation is basically a failed act of mediation between worlds.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“To traffic, sell, or exchange; the root behind carrying across and mediation”
Latin
Latin
interpres
“A go-between, negotiator, translator, or explainer”
Latin
Latin
interpretari
“To explain, expound, translate, or act as an interpreter”
Late Latin
Latin
mis- + interpretari
“To interpret wrongly or badly”
Middle English
English
misinterpreten
“To explain incorrectly or misunderstand”
Modern English
English
misinterpret
“To explain or understand something incorrectly”
Explore more surprising origins