Meaning 1formal · 86%
To form a mistaken understanding of something.
Natural examples
We misconceived the scale of the problem at first.
The committee has misconceived its role in the dispute.
Don’t misconceive this decision as a personal rejection.
Usage note
More formal and less common than misunderstand. Usually focuses on the idea formed, not a misheard word.
Useful combinations
misconceive the problem — understand the problem in the wrong way