I think I've read examples of how Zamenhof used malkompreni in the sense of "to misunderstand" (now miskompreni).

darkweasel:I think I've read examples of how Zamenhof used malkompreni in the sense of "to misunderstand" (now miskompreni).

yes, 'malkompreni' is certainly used. Just that it probably has a stronger meaning than 'miskompreni'.

Going by that PMEG page that I refered to earlier, 'miskompreni' would mean 'to understand in the wrong way' (erare kompreni), whereas 'malkompreni' clearly means 'not to understand [at all]' - it is the direct opposite of 'to understand'. Obviously, there are different levels of 'understanding', so you could debate what exactly is the direct opposite! Still, I think the use of 'mal-' generally gives a stronger meaning...