construe
/kənˈstɹuː/
Group 2Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To interpret or understand in a particular way GRE
Example in Context
The ambassador's remarks were widely construed as a veiled threat, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Synonyms
interpretreadunderstand
Etymology
Meaning to 'build together' an understanding or interpretation.
- con- (Latin) — together
- struere (Latin) — to build
Memory Aid
🍲Sounds like “con stew”
Picture a group of friends stirring a pot of stew, trying to CONSTRU(E) their meal's meaning!
Visual Association
🔍A detective piecing together clues to understand a complex mystery.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “construe” mean on the GRE?
construe (verb) means “To interpret or understand in a particular way”. The ambassador's remarks were widely construed as a veiled threat, escalating tensions between the two nations.
How to remember “construe” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “construe” sounds like “con stew”. Picture a group of friends stirring a pot of stew, trying to CONSTRU(E) their meal's meaning!
What are synonyms for “construe”?
Common synonyms: interpret, read, understand.