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- Dictionaryconstrue/kənˈstruː/
verb
- 1. interpret (a word or action) in a particular way: "his words could hardly be construed as an apology"
- 2. analyse the syntax of (a text, sentence, or word): dated "both verbs can be construed with either infinitive"
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CONSTRUE definition: 1. to understand the meaning, especially of other people's actions and statements, in a particular…. Learn more.
1. : 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. Her frustration was construed as anger. 2. : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or sentence part) construe this Latin sentence by Cicero.
verb (used with object) , con·strued, con·stru·ing. to give the meaning or intention of; explain; interpret. to deduce by inference or interpretation; infer: He construed her intentions from her gestures. to translate, especially orally.
If you interpret something or make sense of it, you construe its meaning. If the new girl in your class asks to sit with you at lunch, you could construe that she wants to be friends. You can never have too many friends! To make an assumption based on evidence is to construe.
To understand or explain the meaning of (something), especially in a particular way; interpret: The waiter construed my smile as assent. The editorial construed the act as irresponsible. See Synonyms at explain. 2. Grammar. a. To analyze the structure of (a clause or sentence). b.
CONSTRUE meaning: 1. to understand the meaning, especially of other people's actions and statements, in a particular…. Learn more.
verb. If something is construed in a particular way, its nature or meaning is interpreted in that way. [formal] What may seem helpful behaviour to you can be construed as interference by others. [be VERB -ed + as] He may construe the approach as a hostile act. [VERB noun + as] We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.
