Definition

To interpret or explain the meaning of something, especially in terms of language or grammar.

Example

When reading poetry, it is important to construe the words carefully to understand their deeper meaning.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you understand the article we read in class?

Not really, I found it hard to construe some of the sentences.

Yeah, the grammar was pretty complicated.

Exactly! I wish the teacher would explain how to construe those sentences better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

An explanation or interpretation of something, often involving how it is understood or translated.

Example

The construe of the ancient text revealed new insights into its meaning.

Conversation

I was reading that poem, but I didn't quite understand the construe of it.

Yeah, some lines can be really tricky to interpret.

I thought maybe we could look it up together for a better construe of the meaning.

Definition

To interpret or explain the meaning of something, especially in a specific way.

Example

The teacher asked us to construe the poem in our own words.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you understand what the professor meant in class today?

Not really, some parts were confusing to me.

Yeah, I think he tried to construe the main idea, but it got lost.

Root Explanation

Construe is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "struere" (meaning to build or arrange). The word means to build or arrange together an understanding or interpretation of something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'building an understanding together' — 'con-' means together, and 'struere' means to build.

Visually Confused Words