What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
construed
Example
Her silence was construed as a sign of guilt. [construed: verb]
Example
The ambiguous wording of the contract could be construed in several different ways. [construed: past participle]
interpret
Example
I need you to interpret this for me, I don't understand what it means. [interpret: verb]
Example
The audience was free to interpret the artist's work in their own way. [interpret: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpret is more commonly used than construed in everyday language. Interpret is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while construed is less common and typically used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between construed and interpret?
Construed is more formal than interpret. It is often used in legal or academic contexts, while interpret can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
