construe Definition
- 1interpret (a word or action) in a particular way
- 2understand the meaning of a word, gesture, or action in a particular way
Using construe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "construe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I'm not sure how to construe her behavior.
Example
The court will construe the provisions of the statute.
Example
His silence was construed as agreement.
Example
She construed his smile as a sign of approval.
construe Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for construe
Antonyms for construe
Phrases with construe
Example
The judge will construe the evidence against the defendant.
Example
The court will construe the law in favor of the plaintiff.
Example
The court will construe the statute narrowly, applying it only to the specific circumstances of this case.
Origins of construe
from Latin 'construere', meaning 'to pile up, build, or arrange'
Summary: construe in Brief
The verb 'construe' [kənˈstruː] means to interpret or understand the meaning of a word, gesture, or action in a particular way. It can be used in legal contexts, such as 'The court will construe the provisions of the statute,' or in everyday situations, like 'I'm not sure how to construe her behavior.' The verb can also be used with prepositions, such as 'construe against' or 'construe in favor of,' to indicate an interpretation that is unfavorable or favorable to someone or something.
