misunderstanding

Everyday

1. A failure to understand something correctly: «There was a misunderstanding about the time». tree →
2. A small disagreement or argument, often caused by not understanding each other: «We had a little misunderstanding». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, many arguments start from a misunderstanding: a text read in the wrong tone, a mixed-up time or place. In friendship lessons, children learn to clear up misunderstandings by asking and listening. In stories, misunderstandings drive funny plots. Phrases: «clear up a misunderstanding», «there's been a misunderstanding», «a misunderstanding about».

Examples

• There must be a misunderstanding – I said three o'clock, not two. tree →
• We cleared up the misunderstanding by talking. tree →
• The whole argument was a misunderstanding. tree →
• A misunderstanding over the rules ended the game early. tree →
• Texts can lead to misunderstandings because you can't hear the voice. tree →
• The comedy is full of misunderstandings and mixed-up identities. tree →
• «Sorry, I think we had a misunderstanding.» tree →
• A misunderstanding in maths: he thought «product» meant add, not multiply. tree →

Note

Countable: one misunderstanding, two misunderstandings. Verb: misunderstand (past: misunderstood – irregular). Often a polite word for a small argument. In maths word problems, misunderstanding key words (sum, product, difference, quotient) is a common trap.