Construe
[kən'struː] or [kən'stru]
Definition
(v. t. ) To apply the rules of syntax to (a sentence or clause) so as to exhibit the structure, arrangement, or connection of, or to discover the sense; to explain the construction of; to interpret; to translate.
(v. t. ) To put a construction upon; to explain the sense or intention of; to interpret; to understand.
Typist: Preston
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. Interpret, explain, expound, translate, render, put an interpretation upon.
Typed by Anton
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Parse, resolve, analyze, interpret, understand, render
ANT:Nullify, neutralize, mystify, distort, falsify, misconstrue, misinterpret,misconceive, mistranslate
Checked by John
Definition
v.t. to exhibit the arrangement in another language: to translate: to explain: to interpret: to infer.—v.i. to admit of grammatical analysis.—Con′ster an old form.
Inputed by Eleanor
Examples
- But canst thou construe me this, Sir Knight--When is thy wine-pitcher and thy purse better empty than full? Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- If he sees these traces of emotion on our cheeks, let him construe them as he may. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I construed this remark into an indication of a wish that he should have my place, so I blushingly offered to resign it. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- She's an excitable, nervous person: she construed her dream into an apparition, or something of that sort, no doubt; and has taken a fit with fright. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- I have not construed a line. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
Editor: Rodney