misinterpret

[ mis-in-tur-prit ]

/ ˌmɪs ɪnˈtɜr prɪt /

to interpret, explain, or understand incorrectly.

Origin of misinterpret

First recorded in 1580–90; mis-¹ + interpret

mis·in·ter·pret·a·ble, adjective mis·in·ter·pre·ta·tion, noun mis·in·ter·pret·er, noun un·mis·in·ter·pret·a·ble, adjective

Indeed, Millennials seem to be using familiar political terms in ways that are easy to misinterpret.

Hey, Boomers—Millennials Hate Your Partisan Crap |Nick Gillespie |July 10, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
They will find that they are prone to continuously misread and misinterpret their emergent partner, protagonist and rival.

Why America Must Learn to Bow |Martin Jacques |November 21, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Jean crept behind some of the tallest, not wishing the King to perceive him and misinterpret his intentions.

When a Cobbler Ruled a King |Augusta Huiell Seaman
Hence we might misinterpret the historical data if they were obtainable.

Studies in Logical Theory |John Dewey

It is on this very account that historians, especially foreign historians, have tended to misinterpret the man.

The French Revolution |Hilaire Belloc
It was natural that a man like Borrow should magnify and should misinterpret this unexpected blow.

George Borrow |Thomas Seccombe
Both the Misses Flint wore a look of sternness that Ladybird could not misinterpret.

The Staying Guest |Carolyn Wells

misinterpret

/ (ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːprɪt) /

(tr) to interpret badly, misleadingly, or incorrectly

misinterpretation, noun misinterpreter, noun