v.tr. (construes, construed, construing) 1 interpret (words or actions) (their decision can be construed in many ways). 2 (often foll. by with) combine (words) grammatically ('rely' is construed with 'on'). 3 analyse the syntax of (a sentence). 4 translate word for word. construable adj. construal n.
[ ME f. L construere construct ]