Definition

To understand something incorrectly or to interpret it in a wrong way.

Example

She misconstrued his comments as criticism instead of advice.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think you might misconstrue what she meant in that message.

Really? I thought she was being pretty clear about her feelings.

Sometimes, it’s easy to misconstrue things when we read them too quickly.

That’s true! I should probably ask her for clarification.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misconstrue → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "construere" (meaning to build or arrange). The word means to build or interpret something wrongly or incorrectly.

Memory Tip

Think of interpreting something 'wrongly' ('mis-') when you 'build' an understanding ('construere').

Visually Confused Words