I. kənzˈtrü, kənˈstrü also ˈkänzˌtrü or ˈkänˌstrü verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English construen, from Late Latin construere, from Latin, to construct — more at construct
transitive verb
1.
a. : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or part of a sentence) : translate piecemeal in such an order as to show the syntactical relation of the parts
b. : to combine idiomatically
the verb trust is sometimes construed with in
2.
a. : to put a construction on : discover and apply the meaning and intention of with reference to a particular state of affairs
freedom of the press, literally construed, is the freedom to publish anything at all — F.L.Mott
is it within judicial power, in construing the amendment, to abolish segregation — New York Times
b. : to understand usually in a particular way : explain the sense or intention of often to one's own satisfaction or according to or in conformity with a given set of circumstances
construe an action as one pleases
energy could be construed as something subsidiary to matter — A.N.Whitehead
3. obsolete : construct
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to construe a sentence or part of a sentence especially in connection with translating
b. of a sentence or part of a sentence : to be construable
2. obsolete : infer — used with of
II. ˈkänzˌtrü, ˈkänˌstrü sometimes kənzˈtrü or kənˈstrü noun
( -s )
: an act of construing especially by piecemeal translation ; also : the translated version resulting from such an act