construe

CEFRB2

/kənˈstɹuː/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To understand the meaning of something in a particular way.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    An interpretation.

Examples

  • She could construe irregular Latin verbs without a moment's hesitation.

  • They usefully managed to construe an efficient work ethic.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˈkɒnstəɹ/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To understand (something) as meaning, to take to mean.

  2. To interpret (something) to another or publicly, explain the meaning of (something, usually language).

noun

Extra meaning

  1. A translation.

More examples

In context

  • Bru[tus]. […] But let not therefore my good Friends be greeu'd (Among which number Cassius be you one) Nor conſtrue any further my neglect, Then that poore Brutus with himſelfe at warre, Forgets the ſhews of Loue to other men.

  • This is a new fashionable proverb, which I must construe to you.

  • The world must construe according to its wits; this court must construe according to the law.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

A judge must blank the law strictly according to its original wording.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English construen, from Late Latin construo, construere (“to relate grammatically”), from Latin construo (“pile together”); doublet of construct.