be misread

[bi ˈmɪsˌrɛd]
verb phrase
ser mal interpretado; ser lido incorretamente
1. to be interpreted or understood incorrectly; to have one's words, actions, or intentions understood wrongly
His comments could be misread as offensive by some people.
Seus comentários podem ser mal interpretados como ofensivos por algumas pessoas.
2. to read text or written material incorrectly or with errors in comprehension
I must have misread the instructions and assembled the furniture incorrectly.
Devo ter lido mal as instruções e montei o móvel incorretamente.
3. to misunderstand the meaning, tone, or intent of a communication
Her sarcasm was easily misread as genuine criticism.
Seu sarcasmo foi facilmente mal interpretado como crítica genuína.
The phrase 'be misread' is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to discuss miscommunication in digital age, particularly in social media, emails, and text messages where tone and intent can be easily lost. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ser mal interpretado' is the standard equivalent and is frequently used in professional and casual settings to explain misunderstandings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be misinterpretedbe misunderstoodbe misconstruedbe taken the wrong way
Antonyms / Antônimos
be understood correctlybe read accuratelybe interpreted correctly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser mal interpretado
most common and neutral form
General Brazilian
ser lido incorretamente
used when emphasis is on reading text incorrectly
São Paulo
ser mal entendido
alternative form, less formal
Portugal
ser mal interpretado
same as Brazilian, standard Portuguese usage

Related Words

misinterpretmisunderstandmisconstruemisinterpretation

Related Idioms & Phrases

get the wrong end of the stick
get someone all wrong
take something out of context
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