construe

play

verb con·strue \kən-ˈstrü\

Definition of construe

construed

;

construing

transitive verb
1 : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or sentence part) construe this Latin sentence by Cicero
2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of usually in a particular way or with respect to a given set of circumstances construed my actions as hostile Her frustration was construed as anger.
intransitive verb
: to construe a sentence or sentence part especially in connection with translating

construable

play \kən-ˈstrü-ə-bəl\ adjective

See construe defined for English-language learners

See construe defined for kids

Examples of construe in a Sentence

The way the court construes various words has changed over time.
the role of the justices of the Supreme Court in construing the constitution

Did You Know?

Construe can usually be translated as "interpret". It's often used in law; thus, an Attorney General might construe the term "serious injury" in a child-abuse law to include bruises, or a judge might construe language about gifts to "heirs" to include spouses. The IRS's construal of some of your activities might be different from your own—and much more expensive at tax time. Construing is also close to translating; so when the British say "public school", for instance, it should be construed or translated as "prep school" in American terms.