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¹construct

verb con·struct \kən-ˈstrəkt\

: to build or make (something physical, such as a road, bridge, or building)

: to make or create (something, such as a story or theory) by organizing ideas, words, etc.

mathematics : to draw (a shape) according to a set of instructions or rules

Full Definition of CONSTRUCT

transitive verb

: to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : build; also : contrive, devise

: to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under specified conditions

: to set in logical order

— con·struct·abil·i·ty also con·struct·ibil·i·ty \-ˌstrək-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— con·struct·able or con·struct·ible \-ˈstrək-tə-bəl\ adjective

— con·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

See construct defined for English-language learners

See construct defined for kids

Origin of CONSTRUCT

Latin constructus, past participle of construere, from com- + struere to build — more at structure

First Known Use: 1663

Related to CONSTRUCT

Synonyms: concoct, invent, contrive, cook (up), devise, drum up, excogitate, fabricate, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up)

Antonyms: demount, disassemble, dismantle, dismember, knock down, strike, take down, tear down

Rhymes with CONSTRUCT

abduct, adduct, bile duct, conduct, deduct, eruct, induct, instruct, obstruct, reluct, subduct

²construct

noun con·struct \ˈkän-ˌstrəkt\

: something (such as an idea or a theory) that is formed in people's minds

Full Definition of CONSTRUCT

: something constructed by the mind: as

a : a theoretical entity <the deductive study of abstract constructs — D. J. Boorstin>

b : a working hypothesis or concept <the unconscious was a construct that came from the daily effort to understand patients>

: a product of ideology, history, or social circumstances <privacy is more than a social construct or an idea; it is a condition of the body — Sallie Tisdale>

See construct defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CONSTRUCT

1933

CONSTRUCTED Defined for Kids

construct

verb con·struct \kən-ˈstrəkt\

con·struct·edcon·struct·ing

Definition of CONSTRUCT for Kids

: to make or form by combining parts <construct a bridge>

Word Root of CONSTRUCT

The Latin word struere, meaning “to build,” and its form structus give us the root struct. Words from the Latin struere have something to do with building. A structure is something that was built, such as a house. To construct is to build by combining parts together. To obstruct is to build an obstacle that blocks a passage or path. Destruction is the process of taking apart something that was built.

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