English · Emotions & Feelings
misunderstood
/ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstʊd/
[/ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstʊd/]
wrongly interpreted
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Feeling that people have interpreted your words or intentions incorrectly.
Example
The teenager felt misunderstood by his parents, who thought his quietness meant he was angry.
The teenager felt misunderstood by his parents, who thought his quietness meant he was angry.
Etymology
Formed from the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) plus 'understood', the past participle of 'understand'.
How & Where It’s Used
Often used about artists, teenagers, or anyone whose intentions are read the wrong way.