Synonyms for

Construed

Verb / kʌˈnstru:d / Another word for construed — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to interpret or understand a particular way

Synonyms & similar words

see interpret construe interpret understand analyze decipher decode comprehend translate explain render elucidate explicate clarify determine derive infer deduce conclude gather assume presume

Synonyms by register

Formal

interpreted understood regarded deemed

Informal

taken seen read figured

Literary

apprehended divined perceived

Antonyms

misinterpret misunderstand disregard ignore overlook dismiss

Common collocations

  • construed as
  • construed by
  • construed to mean
  • how it is construed
  • can be construed
  • not to be construed

Word family

noun construction
verb construe
adjective constructive
adverb constructively

Usage note

Often used in legal or formal contexts to explain how something is interpreted or understood. Be mindful of the passive voice construction 'is construed as'.

Example sentences

  1. The judge construed the law in favor of the defendant.
  2. I construed his silence as agreement.
  3. The audience construed the comedian's joke in a different way than he intended.
  4. She construed the email as a formal invitation.
  5. He construed her smile as a sign of forgiveness.

Quotes

  • A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business. - Eric Hoffer
  • We are all mistaken sometimes; sometimes we do wrong things, things that have bad consequences. But it does not mean we are evil, or that we cannot be trusted ever afterward. - Alison Croggon
  • It's so hard to know what to do when one wishes earnestly to do right. - George Bernard Shaw

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