misconstrue Definition
- 1to interpret something wrongly
- 2to understand something incorrectly
Using misconstrue: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "misconstrue" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I hope you don't misconstrue what I'm saying.
Example
His words were misconstrued as a threat.
Example
She misconstrued his intentions and got upset.
Example
It's easy to misconstrue the tone of an email.
misconstrue Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for misconstrue
Antonyms for misconstrue
- understand
- comprehend
- interpret correctly
Phrases with misconstrue
misconstrue someone's words
to interpret someone's words in a way that is incorrect or not intended
Example
Please don't misconstrue my words; I didn't mean to offend you.
misconstrue someone's actions
to interpret someone's actions in a way that is incorrect or not intended
Example
She misconstrued his actions and thought he was angry with her.
to interpret a situation in a way that is incorrect or not intended
Example
He misconstrued the situation and thought everything was fine when it wasn't.
Origins of misconstrue
from Old French 'mesconstruire', meaning 'to misunderstand'
Summary: misconstrue in Brief
The verb 'misconstrue' [ˌmɪskənˈstruː] means to interpret something wrongly or to understand something incorrectly. It is often used to describe situations where someone has misunderstood another person's words or actions, such as 'His words were misconstrued as a threat.' 'Misconstrue' can also be used in phrases like 'misconstrue someone's words,' 'misconstrue someone's actions,' and 'misconstrue the situation.'
