misread

Misread is a verb meaning to read something incorrectly or to interpret it wrongly. It can apply to written texts, numbers, signs, or situations where information is perceived in error. The related noun misreading refers to the error itself.

Origin and forms: The word combines the prefix mis- with read. The verb has the past tense misread and past participle misread, with present tense misreads and present participle misreading. Pronunciation varies: the present form is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈriːd/ and the past form is pronounced /mɪˈsrɛd/.

Usage: Misread is commonly used for failing to perceive text, signs, or data as written. Causes include illegible handwriting, ambiguous typography, or straightforward misinterpretation. In broader contexts, it can describe misreading cues or tone in written communication, though critics distinguish misreading from misunderstanding or misinterpreting the intent.

Examples and related terms: Examples illustrate its range, such as “I misread the recipe and added salt instead of sugar” or “She misread his message and apologized later.” Related terms include misinterpretation and misunderstanding, while misreading can also be used as a noun to denote the error itself.