Here's the correct understanding:
* Humans and monkeys share a common ancestor. This ancestor lived millions of years ago, and both humans and modern monkeys evolved from it.
* We are not descended directly from monkeys. We share a lineage, but we diverged from the branch that led to modern monkeys.
* Evolution is a branching process. Imagine a tree. The trunk represents the common ancestor. The branches represent different species that have evolved over time. Humans and monkeys are on separate branches, but they share a common trunk.
In simpler terms: Imagine a family tree. You share ancestors with your cousins, but you are not directly descended from them. You both share a common ancestor, like a grandparent.
It's important to understand that evolution is a complex process, and the relationship between humans and monkeys is fascinating but often misunderstood.