What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misread
Example
I misread the instructions and ended up making a mistake. [misread: verb]
Example
She misread the tone of the email and thought her boss was angry. [misread: past tense]
misunderstand
Example
I think you misunderstand what I'm trying to say. [misunderstand: verb]
Example
He misunderstood my joke and thought I was being serious. [misunderstood: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misunderstand is more commonly used than misread in everyday language. Misunderstand is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while misread is less common and refers specifically to errors in reading written text.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misread and misunderstand?
Both misread and misunderstand are relatively formal words, but they can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
