misjudge
UK[ˌmɪsˈdʒʌdʒ]US[ˌmɪsˈdʒʌdʒ]
v
to form an incorrect or unfair opinion about someone or something
v
to estimate or assess a situation, distance, or amount incorrectly
Morpheme Breakdown
mis
judge
mis
badly/wrongly
judge
form an opinion
Etymology
the word 'misjudge' is a transparent compound formed within english. the prefix 'mis-', with its roots in old english and ultimately proto-germanic, carries the enduring sense of error or fault. it is attached to the verb 'judge', which entered english from old french, tracing back to latin judicare (to judge) from judex (a judge). the literal combination, 'to judge wrongly', perfectly encapsulates the modern abstract meaning, illustrating how english frequently employs germanic prefixes to modify latinate roots, creating precise verbs for nuanced human error.
Analysis
Structure: mis (badly/wrongly) + judge (form an opinion)
mis- (from old english, of germanic origin, a prefix meaning 'badly', 'wrongly', or 'amiss'); judge (from latin judex via old french jugier, meaning 'to form an opinion or conclusion about').
Examples
it is easy to misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic on a wide road.
i apologize; i completely misjudged your intentions.
the coach misjudged the distance and called for a field goal attempt that fell short.