construe — to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈstruː/
Example Sentences
- My mom construed my clean room as evidence that I was hiding something suspicious.
- The lawyer construed the contract clause in favor of his client.
- Don't construe my helping you with homework as permission to copy my answers.
construe
VERB[/kənˈstruː/]
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Two students interpret the same drawing differently
How we construe affects what's true for the crew!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'construere', meaning 'to build' or 'to construct', derived from 'com-' (together) and 'struere' (to build or pile up). The sense shifted from the literal 'to build' to the figurative 'to interpret' or 'to put together in understanding'.
Breakdown
com- (together) + struere (to build/arrange) = construere (to construct/interpret)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom construed my clean room as evidence that I was hiding something suspicious.”
“The lawyer construed the contract clause in favor of his client.”
“Don't construe my helping you with homework as permission to copy my answers.”
“The judge construed the law strictly in this case.”
📚Related Words
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