Dictionary

1construe

verb con·strue \kən-ˈstrü\

: to understand (an action, event, remark, etc.) in a particular way

: to understand the meaning of (a word, phrase, or sentence)

con·struedcon·stru·ing

Full Definition of CONSTRUE

transitive verb
1
:  to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or sentence part)
2
:  to understand or explain the sense or intention of usually in a particular way or with respect to a given set of circumstances <construed my actions as hostile>
intransitive verb
:  to construe a sentence or sentence part especially in connection with translating
con·stru·able \-ˈstrü-ə-bəl\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CONSTRUE

Middle English, from Late Latin construere, from Latin, to construct
First Known Use: 14th century

2construe

noun con·strue \ˈkän-ˌstrü\

Definition of CONSTRUE

:  an act or the result of construing especially by piecemeal translation

First Known Use of CONSTRUE

1844

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile
CONSTRUE Defined for Kids

construe

verb con·strue \kən-ˈstrü\
con·struedcon·stru·ing

Definition of CONSTRUE for Kids

:  to understand or explain the sense or intention of <He mistakenly construed my actions as unfriendly.>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: constupratePrevious Word in the Dictionary: constructureAll Words Near: construe
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears