Putting the wrong interpretation on:
— His misinterpretation of the question caused his error.

synonyms: mistaking, misunderstanding.

Roget 523: misinterpretation, misapprehension, misunderstanding, misacceptation^†, misconstruction, misapplication; catachresis^†; eisegesis^†; cross-reading, cross-purposes; mistake etc. 495.    misrepresentation, perversion, exaggeration etc. 549; false coloring, false construction; abuse of terms; parody, travesty; falsification etc. (lying) 544.    ... show more

Dutch: verkeerde interpretatie, misverstand