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construe definition

con·strue (kən stro̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb construed -·strued′, construing -·stru′·ing

  1. to analyze (a sentence, clause, etc.) so as to show its syntactic construction and its meaning
  2. loosely to translate (a passage) orally
  3. to explain or deduce the meaning of; interpret her silence was construed as agreement
  4. to infer or deduce
  5. Gram. to combine in syntax the verb “let,” unlike “permit,” is construed with an infinitive omitting the “to”

Etymology: ME construen < L construere: see construct

intransitive verb

  1. to analyze sentence structure, esp. in translating
  2. to be able to be construed, as a sentence

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

law construe definition - legal

construe Synonyms

construe

v.

explain, define, infer, decipher; see explain, infer 1, interpret 1. See syn. study at explain.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

construe Usage Examples

Object

  • provision: It is appropriate to narrowly construe a provision which sets the limits of criminal liability.

Modifying Another Word

  • narrowly: It is appropriate to narrowly construe a provision which sets the limits of criminal liability.
  • accordingly: The expression " agreement " shall be construed accordingly.

Infinitive complement

  • extend: But I am in no doubt that in such exceptional cases section 22 can in modern times be construed to extend that far.

Present participle complement

  • accord: The terms shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of England and Wales.

Preposition: in

  • accordance: These Terms of Use shall be construed in accordance with the laws of England.
construe usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"construe." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/construe>

APA Style

construe. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/construe

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