How to pronounce misunderstand
Say it like mis-un-der-STAND. Misunderstand has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (STAND).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce misunderstand. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- mis
- un
- der
- STAND
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Misunderstand pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- misGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- STANDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of misunderstand
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: mis-un-duh-STAND.
What does misunderstand mean?
- To understand incorrectly, while believing one has understood correctly.
Where does misunderstand come from?
From Middle English mys-understanden, equivalent to mis- + understand.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with misunderstand
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of misunderstand.
Questions about saying misunderstand
How do you pronounce misunderstand?
Say mis-un-der-STAND. The American pronunciation is /ˌmɪsəndɚˈstænd/. In British English it is /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in misunderstand?
Misunderstand has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (STAND). Broken into parts: mis · un · der · STAND.
Is misunderstand pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd/ (mis-un-duh-STAND).