What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misconstrue
Example
She misconstrued my words and thought I was angry at her. [misconstrued: past tense verb]
Example
The media often misconstrues politicians' statements, leading to confusion among the public. [misconstrues: present tense verb]
misunderstand
Example
I think you misunderstood what I meant. [misunderstood: past tense verb]
Example
She often misunderstands jokes because of cultural differences. [misunderstands: present tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misunderstand is more commonly used than misconstrue in everyday language. Misunderstand is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while misconstrue is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misconstrue and misunderstand?
Both misconstrue and misunderstand are formal words that can be used in professional or academic settings. However, misunderstand is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
