What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
construe
Example
I'm having trouble construing the meaning of this poem. [construing: present participle]
Example
The lawyer tried to construe the witness's testimony in his client's favor. [construe: verb]
interpret
Example
The conductor interpreted the composer's intentions beautifully. [interpreted: past tense]
Example
It's difficult to interpret the meaning of this ancient text without proper context. [interpret: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpret is more commonly used than construe in everyday language. Interpret is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while construe is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between construe and interpret?
Both construe and interpret can be used in formal or academic contexts, but construe may be more associated with legal or literary language, while interpret can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
