- misunderstanding (n.)
- "want of understanding," mid-15c., from present participle of misunderstand.
When misunderstanding serves others as an advantage, one is helpless to make oneself understood. [Lionel Trilling]
Meaning "dissention, disagreement" is first recorded 1640s. - understanding (n.)
- Old English understanding "comprehension," verbal noun from understand (v.). Meaning "mutual agreement" is attested from 1803.