Construe

Pronunciation: /kənˈstruː/

Definitions of construe

verb to interpret or understand (a word or action) in a particular way

Example Sentences

A1 I can construe the meaning of simple sentences in English.

A2 She struggled to construe the instructions on the package.

B1 Students are encouraged to construe the text in their own words.

B2 The lawyer was able to construe the contract in a way that benefited his client.

C1 It is important to carefully construe the implications of the new law.

C2 The expert was able to construe the data in a way that revealed new insights.

Examples of construe in a Sentence

formal It is important to construe the legal language accurately in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

informal I'm trying to construe what my boss meant by that comment, but it's so vague.

slang I can't construe why she's always so moody.

figurative Her silence could be construe as a sign of disapproval.

Grammatical Forms of construe

• past tense: construed
• plural: construes
• comparative: more construed
• superlative: most construed
• present tense: construe
• future tense: will construe
• perfect tense: have construed
• continuous tense: is construing
• singular: construe
• positive degree: construe
• infinitive: to construe
• gerund: construing
• participle: construing

Origin and Evolution of construe

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'construe' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'construire' and the Latin word 'construere', meaning to interpret or explain.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'construe' has evolved to not only mean interpreting or explaining but also to signify analyzing or deducing meaning from something, especially in a legal or literary context.