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SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS

construe

verb

To interpret a statement or action in a particular way.

Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.

Interpret in a certain way

Closest synonyms

Related words and expressions

These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.

Usage distinction

Construe often takes as; read or take may require the same construction.

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Test this word in the Comprehensive Synonym Exam

CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT

See construe in use

Do not construe a request for clarification as an objection.
Dictionary practice example.
One member began to construe Noor's question as an attempt to delay the opening, although she had only requested a clear date.
From What Did the Message Mean?.

Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.

Synonym reference scope and sources

The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.

How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license

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