construev.

Brit.

/kənˈstruː/,

/kɒnˈstruː/, U.S.

/kənˈstru/

Forms: α. Middle English construen, construwe, Middle English constru, constrew, construyn, Middle English–1500s constrewe, Middle English– construe; β. Middle English–1500s constre, 1500s–1800s conster, (1500s constyrre, 1700s cunster).

Etymology: Middle English constru-en , < Latin construĕre to pile together, build up, construct v., also to connect grammatically, construct sentences, whence in medieval Latin as in sense 3. The corresponding French construire is a late word, but occurs in Palsgrave 1530 in the grammatical use. If the English word had been derived through French it would have had the forms construy, constroy: compare destroy. At an early date the stress was put on the first syllable, and the final reduced to -stre, -ster: conster continued to be the pronunciation down to the 19th cent., even after it had disappeared as a written form. Walker, 1791, called this ‘a scandal to seminaries of learning’.

†1. transitive. To form by putting together materials, to construct v. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > construct

workOE

dighta1175

to set upc1275

graitha1300

formc1300

pitchc1330

compoundc1374

to put togethera1387

performc1395

bigc1400

elementc1400

complexion1413

erect1417

framea1450

edifya1464

compose1481

construe1490

to lay together1530

perstruct1547

to piece together1572

condite1578

conflate1583

compile1590

to put together1591

to set together1603

draw1604

build1605

fabric1623

complicate1624

composit1640

constitute1646

compaginate1648

upa1658

complex1659

construct1663

structurate1664

structure1664

confect1677

to put up1699

rig1754

effect1791

structuralize1913

1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 327 They constrewed quarellis to quenche þe peple, And pletid with pollaxis and poyntis of swerdis.]

1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos (1890) xv. 59 He had construed, edyfyed, and made an hondred temples wythin his royalme.

1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. xv. 71 The braine..is defended and construed by Mercurie, the third radical beginning.

2. Grammar. To combine (words, or parts of speech) grammatically. Now, to combine a verb, adjective, preposition, or other word with the case or relational words with which it is syntactically used.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > construct syntactically [verb (transitive)]

construe1530

construct1871

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 495 I constrewe as a grammarian dothe a sentence, when he joyneth the partes of speche in order, je construis.

1612 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts f. 1 The construing or framing, and setting together, of the eight parts of speech.

1893 N.E.D. at Construe Mod. The verb hearken is construed with the prepositions to, unto. In German many prepositions are construed with the dative.

a. Grammar. To analyse or trace the grammatical construction of a sentence; to take its words in such an order as to show the meaning of the sentence; spec. to do this in the study of a foreign and especially a classical language, adding a word for word translation; hence, loosely, to translate orally a passage in an ancient or foreign author.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > analyse grammatically [verb (transitive)]

construe1362

analyse1660

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iv. 128 For nullum malum þe Mon mette with inpunitum, And bad nullum bonum be irremuneratum. Let þi Clerk, sire kyng, Construe þis in Englisch.

c1386 G. Chaucer Prioress's Tale 76.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 159 Children in scole beeþ compelled for..to construe hir lessouns and here þynges in Frensche [L. construere Gallice compelluntur].

1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. vii. 34 He coude make and construe euery worde, and pronounce it by example.

1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 72 She drew out hir petracke, requesting him to conster hir a lesson.

1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. viii. 113 What they can so construe or reade out of the English into Latine.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. i. 30 Conster them.

1745 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 12 Nov. (1932) (modernized text) III. 696 If I did not both construe Homer, and play at pitch.

1813 T. Moore Intercepted Lett. v. 293 Have you found any friend that can conster That Latin account, t'other day, of a Monster?

1840 T. B. Macaulay Ranke's Hist. in Ess. (1851) II. 142 He cannot construe a Greek author.

b. absol.

ΚΠ

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 161 Now..in alle the grammar scoles of Engelond, children leveth Frensche, and construeth and lerneth on Englische.

?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 86 I coold my rulez, coold conster & pars with the best of them.

1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §44 Since I have been able not onely as we do at schoole, to construe, but understand.

1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University (ed. 2) 18 The lecturer stands, and the lectured sit, even when construing, as the Freshmen are sometimes asked to do.

1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. i. 11 If you were to hear the men construe, it would make your hair stand on end.

c. intransitive (for passive). Of a series of words: To admit of grammatical analysis or interpretation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > discuss grammar [verb (intransitive)] > admit of grammatical analysis

construe1851

1851 J. H. Newman Lect. Present Position Catholics Eng. 59 Definite dogma, intelligible articles, formularies which would construe, a consistent ritual.

1893 N.E.D. at Construe Mod. This sentence will not construe; I can make nothing of it. His verses did not scan, and would barely construe.

a. transitive. To give the sense or meaning of; to expound, explain, interpret (language).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > interpret [verb (transitive)]

unloukOE

areadOE

spele?c1225

inredec1315

expounda1340

construe1399

interpretate1517

explain1538

scan1562

disentraverse1610

unspherea1616

explicate1628

spell1635

disenvelop1741

extract1775

interpret1795

clarify1823

to read between the lines1866

1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles Prol. 72 Poure on it preuyly..And constrewe ich clause with þe culorum.

1483 Cath. Angl. 75 To Constru, exponere, construere.

1545 G. Joye Expos. Daniel (ix.) f. 166^v Geue me leaue to conster you this laste verse.

1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 76 Such as had rather construe [L. interpretari] then execute his Generals commaundementes.

1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 232 We can cunster the crabbidst buck [= book].

1796 J. Anstey Pleader's Guide i. 40 Though the Law in modern days Three barbarous Tongues no more displays, Like Pluto's triple headed monster, And Pleaders can their Pleadings construe.

1883 R. Browning Sol. & Balkis in Jocoseria O wisest thou of the wise, world's marvel and well-nigh monster, One crabbed question more to construe or vulgo conster!

b. To expound, interpret, or take in a specified way (often apart from the real sense).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)] > apart from real sense

construe1362

constructc1610

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. Prol. 58 I font þere Freres..Glosynge þe Gospel as hem good likeþ For Couetyse of Copes Construeþ hit ille.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. viii^v Let wyse men that here this Cronycle, constrewe it after theyr discressions.

1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iii. v. 137 That which the word of God doth but deliuer historically, wee conster without any warrant as if it were legally meant.

1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 255 If we conster What in th' Apocalyps we find, According to th' Apostle's mind.

1795 E. Burke Corr. (1844) IV. 312 I am not a man for construing with too much rigour the expressions of men under a sense of ill-usage.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 234 The country was not then inclined to construe the letters of Papists candidly.

c. with various complements.

ΚΠ

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 351 Some Farriors..conster the word taken, to bee stricken by some Plannet or euill spirit.

1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper i. 4 [This Text] the Jews construe of Christ still to come, and of his temporall Monarchy.

a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. ii. 512 When the word is construed into its idea the double meaning vanishes.

1720 Lett. from Mist's Jrnl. (1722) II. 55 Any thing that can be construed an obscure or scurrilous Insinuation.

1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xxxvi. 252 When she speaks anything that some would construe to her disadvantage.

1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. v. 416 He abstained..from using any expression which could be construed into a threat.

1876 E. Mellor Priesthood v. 221 Not one word which can be construed as having the remotest connection with sacrificial ideas.

5. Law. To explain or interpret for legal purposes. (A technical application of 4.)

ΘΚΠ

society > law > jurisprudence > jurisprudence [verb (transitive)] > interpret for legal purposes

construe1581

1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (1588) iv. xix. 603 There can be no higher authoritie of exposition, then to construe one statute by an other.

1592 W. West Symbolæogr.: 1st Pt. §60 B.

1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 264. ⁋9 Provided also, That this Rule be not construed to extend to the Fair Sex.

1767 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. (new ed.) II. 147 Courts of law have..leant as much as possible against construing demises, where no certain term is mentioned, to be tenancies at will.

1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 332 It is a usual manner of construing new acts, according to the old rules.

1885 R. Baggallay in Law Times Rep. 52 560/1 Authority is of very little use in construing an unskilfully drawn will.

a. transferred. To interpret, give a meaning to, put a construction on (actions, things, or persons).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)]

understandc1000

interpretc1380

construea1400

construec1465

to make (a) construction1528

expound1533

confera1555

reada1556

decipher1569

resemble1592

intellect1599

c1465 W. Worcester in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 553 Theyr disposicion woll be construed ferther then they wille it were.

1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 24 Of one od subtil stratagem, most treacherus handling Conster al.

1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. iv. 236 His brother whose vnlike and farre more curteous nature he construed [L. interpretabatur] contrarily.

1648 Bp. J. Hall Breathings Devout Soul xiii. 18 O Lord God..how variously am I construed by men?

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 52. ⁋3 Our Minds are construed by the waving of that little Instrument [the fan].

1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth IV. 208 Few can tell his Pedigree; Or his subtile Nature Conster.

1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xv, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. III. 320 You construe me but justly.

1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xv. 226 So Cicero had construed the situation..and he had construed it ill.

b. with various complements.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)]

understandc1000

interpretc1380

construea1400

construec1465

to make (a) construction1528

expound1533

confera1555

reada1556

decipher1569

resemble1592

intellect1599

a1400–50 Alexander 1901 And be þe hat, þat is holewe be-for þe heued bowed, I constru þat ilka kyng sall clyne to my-selfe.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxxxxviii. f. xxxviii^v The whiche was construed to be done by vertue of the holy Ghoost.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prol. ⁋5 Though..I have fayled eny where..loue shall constyrre all to y^e best.

a1592 R. Greene Sc. Hist. Iames IV (1598) i. sig. B^v Thy virtues shall be construed to vice.

1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. B3^v I conster my selfe sawcy.

1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xviii. 168 All..must be consterd Reason in the King, and depraved temper in the Parlament.

1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. xiii. 276 Cæsar's Robberies were construed for political Actions.

1831 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) II. 120 Prudence will be construed pusillanimity.

1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) ii. 25 These gentlemen assure me that silence will be construed as an affront.

1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity III. vii. ii. 124 The popular conception would construe that consent..into an act of freewill.

†c. in a bad sense: cf. misconstrue v. 1a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > misinterpret [verb (transitive)]

misunderstanda1225

mistake1402

misconstruea1425

miskenc1480

misgloze1532

misinterpret1547

missense1560

wrest1563

misdeem1570

misconceive1586

misconstruct1596

misinfer1597

misconceit1598

misknowa1600

to look beyond1600

lose1600

mismean1605

misprize1609

misread1612

misween1614

misimagine1626

misapprehend1628

construea1640

mislead1654

equivocate1665

misrender1674

misaccept1697

miscomprehend1813

misperceive1911

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Trag. Barnavelt (1980) i. iii. 12 To have yo^r actions consturd, scornd, and scoffd at by such malignant soules.

a. To deduce (a meaning, etc.) by interpretation; to judge by inference, infer.

ΚΠ

c1450 Crt. of Love lix Construe the best, believe no tales newe, For many a lie is told, that semeth ful trewe.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Kv^v Shulde they whan they wake, construe any truth to folowe of this mater.

1589 Queen Elizabeth I Let. 1 Apr. in E. A. Bond Russia at Close of 16th Cent. (1856) App. ii. 298 Wee will conster (consider?) the beste of all thinges.

1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 183 You may haply conster that meaning out of that place.

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Cornw. 203 By these my Signs, the wise will easily conster, How little thou didst differ from a Monster.

1884 A. C. J. Gustafson Found. Death i. 5 Even from this it cannot be fairly construed that gross drunkenness was common.

b. absol. or intransitive. Const. †of.

ΚΠ

1584 G. Peele Araygnem. Paris ii. i. sig. Biij^v Wee must not conster heereof as yow meane.

1594 S. Daniel Complaint Rosamond xxxii A sinful monster, As by her words the chaster sort may conster.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. H4^v If wee should iudge or construe of the store of some excellent Ieweller, by that..which is set out toward the streete in his shoppe.

†8. To understand (a person, i.e. his meaning).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] > reach understanding of > words or meaning

takec1175

understanda1225

intenda1400

conceive?1526

accept1587

construe1622

to catch a person's drift1821

comprehend1860

to get on to ——1880

1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir ii. sig. D4^v I now conster thee.

†9. To inform by way of explanation; to explain.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > explain

construea1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. i. 56 My Lady is within sir. I will conster to them whence you come.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	construe
释义	construen. /ˈkɒnstruː/ Etymology: < construe v. An act of construing in the grammatical sense, esp. as an exercise in learning a classical language; a verbal translation. ΘΚΠ society > education > learning > study > subject or object of study > [noun] > exercises or homework > doing grammar exercises construe1844 con1905 1844 J. T. J. Hewlett Parsons & Widows I. xv. 287 These debates interfered sadly with construes, exercises, and repetitions. 1865 Etoniana viii. 138 An early construe with his tutor. 1885 W. F. Hobson in Notes & Queries 17 Jan. 46/1 The misapprehension arose, probably, from a wrong construe of another edition, where the word plebeios [= vulgares]..was mistaken for a noun. 1893 N.E.D. at Construe Mod. Give me a construe of the passage. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2019). construev. Brit. /kənˈstruː/, /kɒnˈstruː/, U.S. /kənˈstru/ Forms: α. Middle English construen, construwe, Middle English constru, constrew, construyn, Middle English–1500s constrewe, Middle English– construe; β. Middle English–1500s constre, 1500s–1800s conster, (1500s constyrre, 1700s cunster). Etymology: Middle English constru-en , < Latin construĕre to pile together, build up, construct v., also to connect grammatically, construct sentences, whence in medieval Latin as in sense 3. The corresponding French construire is a late word, but occurs in Palsgrave 1530 in the grammatical use. If the English word had been derived through French it would have had the forms construy, constroy: compare destroy. At an early date the stress was put on the first syllable, and the final reduced to -stre, -ster: conster continued to be the pronunciation down to the 19th cent., even after it had disappeared as a written form. Walker, 1791, called this ‘a scandal to seminaries of learning’. †1. transitive. To form by putting together materials, to construct v. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > construct workOE dighta1175 to set upc1275 graitha1300 formc1300 pitchc1330 compoundc1374 to put togethera1387 performc1395 bigc1400 elementc1400 complexion1413 erect1417 framea1450 edifya1464 compose1481 construe1490 to lay together1530 perstruct1547 to piece together1572 condite1578 conflate1583 compile1590 to put together1591 to set together1603 draw1604 build1605 fabric1623 complicate1624 composit1640 constitute1646 compaginate1648 upa1658 complex1659 construct1663 structurate1664 structure1664 confect1677 to put up1699 rig1754 effect1791 structuralize1913 1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 327 They constrewed quarellis to quenche þe peple, And pletid with pollaxis and poyntis of swerdis.] 1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos (1890) xv. 59 He had construed, edyfyed, and made an hondred temples wythin his royalme. 1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. xv. 71 The braine..is defended and construed by Mercurie, the third radical beginning. 2. Grammar. To combine (words, or parts of speech) grammatically. Now, to combine a verb, adjective, preposition, or other word with the case or relational words with which it is syntactically used. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > construct syntactically [verb (transitive)] construe1530 construct1871 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 495 I constrewe as a grammarian dothe a sentence, when he joyneth the partes of speche in order, je construis. 1612 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts f. 1 The construing or framing, and setting together, of the eight parts of speech. 1893 N.E.D. at Construe Mod. The verb hearken is construed with the prepositions to, unto. In German many prepositions are construed with the dative. 3. a. Grammar. To analyse or trace the grammatical construction of a sentence; to take its words in such an order as to show the meaning of the sentence; spec. to do this in the study of a foreign and especially a classical language, adding a word for word translation; hence, loosely, to translate orally a passage in an ancient or foreign author. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > analyse grammatically [verb (transitive)] construe1362 analyse1660 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iv. 128 For nullum malum þe Mon mette with inpunitum, And bad nullum bonum be irremuneratum. Let þi Clerk, sire kyng, Construe þis in Englisch. c1386 G. Chaucer Prioress's Tale 76. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 159 Children in scole beeþ compelled for..to construe hir lessouns and here þynges in Frensche [L. construere Gallice compelluntur]. 1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. vii. 34 He coude make and construe euery worde, and pronounce it by example. 1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 72 She drew out hir petracke, requesting him to conster hir a lesson. 1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. viii. 113 What they can so construe or reade out of the English into Latine. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. i. 30 Conster them. View more context for this quotation 1745 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 12 Nov. (1932) (modernized text) III. 696 If I did not both construe Homer, and play at pitch. 1813 T. Moore Intercepted Lett. v. 293 Have you found any friend that can conster That Latin account, t'other day, of a Monster? 1840 T. B. Macaulay Ranke's Hist. in Ess. (1851) II. 142 He cannot construe a Greek author. b. absol. ΚΠ a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 161 Now..in alle the grammar scoles of Engelond, children leveth Frensche, and construeth and lerneth on Englische. ?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 86 I coold my rulez, coold conster & pars with the best of them. 1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §44 Since I have been able not onely as we do at schoole, to construe, but understand. View more context for this quotation 1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University (ed. 2) 18 The lecturer stands, and the lectured sit, even when construing, as the Freshmen are sometimes asked to do. 1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. i. 11 If you were to hear the men construe, it would make your hair stand on end. c. intransitive (for passive). Of a series of words: To admit of grammatical analysis or interpretation. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > discuss grammar [verb (intransitive)] > admit of grammatical analysis construe1851 1851 J. H. Newman Lect. Present Position Catholics Eng. 59 Definite dogma, intelligible articles, formularies which would construe, a consistent ritual. 1893 N.E.D. at Construe Mod. This sentence will not construe; I can make nothing of it. His verses did not scan, and would barely construe. 4. a. transitive. To give the sense or meaning of; to expound, explain, interpret (language). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > interpret [verb (transitive)] unloukOE areadOE spele?c1225 inredec1315 expounda1340 construe1399 interpretate1517 explain1538 scan1562 disentraverse1610 unspherea1616 explicate1628 spell1635 disenvelop1741 extract1775 interpret1795 clarify1823 read1847 to read between the lines1866 1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles Prol. 72 Poure on it preuyly..And constrewe ich clause with þe culorum. 1483 Cath. Angl. 75 To Constru, exponere, construere. 1545 G. Joye Expos. Daniel (ix.) f. 166^v Geue me leaue to conster you this laste verse. 1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 76 Such as had rather construe [L. interpretari] then execute his Generals commaundementes. 1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 232 We can cunster the crabbidst buck [= book]. 1796 J. Anstey Pleader's Guide i. 40 Though the Law in modern days Three barbarous Tongues no more displays, Like Pluto's triple headed monster, And Pleaders can their Pleadings construe. 1883 R. Browning Sol. & Balkis in Jocoseria O wisest thou of the wise, world's marvel and well-nigh monster, One crabbed question more to construe or vulgo conster! b. To expound, interpret, or take in a specified way (often apart from the real sense). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)] > apart from real sense construe1362 constructc1610 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. Prol. 58 I font þere Freres..Glosynge þe Gospel as hem good likeþ For Couetyse of Copes Construeþ hit ille. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. viii^v Let wyse men that here this Cronycle, constrewe it after theyr discressions. 1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iii. v. 137 That which the word of God doth but deliuer historically, wee conster without any warrant as if it were legally meant. 1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 255 If we conster What in th' Apocalyps we find, According to th' Apostle's mind. 1795 E. Burke Corr. (1844) IV. 312 I am not a man for construing with too much rigour the expressions of men under a sense of ill-usage. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 234 The country was not then inclined to construe the letters of Papists candidly. c. with various complements. ΚΠ 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 351 Some Farriors..conster the word taken, to bee stricken by some Plannet or euill spirit. 1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper i. 4 [This Text] the Jews construe of Christ still to come, and of his temporall Monarchy. a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. ii. 512 When the word is construed into its idea the double meaning vanishes. 1720 Lett. from Mist's Jrnl. (1722) II. 55 Any thing that can be construed an obscure or scurrilous Insinuation. 1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xxxvi. 252 When she speaks anything that some would construe to her disadvantage. 1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. v. 416 He abstained..from using any expression which could be construed into a threat. 1876 E. Mellor Priesthood v. 221 Not one word which can be construed as having the remotest connection with sacrificial ideas. 5. Law. To explain or interpret for legal purposes. (A technical application of 4.) ΘΚΠ society > law > jurisprudence > jurisprudence [verb (transitive)] > interpret for legal purposes construe1581 1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (1588) iv. xix. 603 There can be no higher authoritie of exposition, then to construe one statute by an other. 1592 W. West Symbolæogr.: 1st Pt. §60 B. 1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 264. ⁋9 Provided also, That this Rule be not construed to extend to the Fair Sex. 1767 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. (new ed.) II. 147 Courts of law have..leant as much as possible against construing demises, where no certain term is mentioned, to be tenancies at will. 1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 332 It is a usual manner of construing new acts, according to the old rules. 1885 R. Baggallay in Law Times Rep. 52 560/1 Authority is of very little use in construing an unskilfully drawn will. 6. a. transferred. To interpret, give a meaning to, put a construction on (actions, things, or persons). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)] understandc1000 interpretc1380 construea1400 construec1465 to make (a) construction1528 expound1533 confera1555 reada1556 decipher1569 resemble1592 intellect1599 c1465 W. Worcester in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 553 Theyr disposicion woll be construed ferther then they wille it were. 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 24 Of one od subtil stratagem, most treacherus handling Conster al. 1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. iv. 236 His brother whose vnlike and farre more curteous nature he construed [L. interpretabatur] contrarily. 1648 Bp. J. Hall Breathings Devout Soul xiii. 18 O Lord God..how variously am I construed by men? 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 52. ⁋3 Our Minds are construed by the waving of that little Instrument [the fan]. 1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth IV. 208 Few can tell his Pedigree; Or his subtile Nature Conster. 1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xv, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. III. 320 You construe me but justly. 1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xv. 226 So Cicero had construed the situation..and he had construed it ill. b. with various complements. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > interpret in particular way [verb (transitive)] understandc1000 interpretc1380 construea1400 construec1465 to make (a) construction1528 expound1533 confera1555 reada1556 decipher1569 resemble1592 intellect1599 a1400–50 Alexander 1901 And be þe hat, þat is holewe be-for þe heued bowed, I constru þat ilka kyng sall clyne to my-selfe. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxxxxviii. f. xxxviii^v The whiche was construed to be done by vertue of the holy Ghoost. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prol. ⁋5 Though..I have fayled eny where..loue shall constyrre all to y^e best. a1592 R. Greene Sc. Hist. Iames IV (1598) i. sig. B^v Thy virtues shall be construed to vice. 1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. B3^v I conster my selfe sawcy. 1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xviii. 168 All..must be consterd Reason in the King, and depraved temper in the Parlament. 1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. xiii. 276 Cæsar's Robberies were construed for political Actions. 1831 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) II. 120 Prudence will be construed pusillanimity. 1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) ii. 25 These gentlemen assure me that silence will be construed as an affront. 1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity III. vii. ii. 124 The popular conception would construe that consent..into an act of freewill. †c. in a bad sense: cf. misconstrue v. 1a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > misinterpret [verb (transitive)] misunderstanda1225 mistake1402 misconstruea1425 miskenc1480 misgloze1532 misinterpret1547 missense1560 wrest1563 misdeem1570 misconceive1586 misconstruct1596 misinfer1597 misconceit1598 misknowa1600 to look beyond1600 lose1600 mismean1605 misprize1609 misread1612 misween1614 misimagine1626 misapprehend1628 construea1640 mislead1654 equivocate1665 misrender1674 misaccept1697 miscomprehend1813 read1879 misperceive1911 a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Trag. Barnavelt (1980) i. iii. 12 To have yo^r actions consturd, scornd, and scoffd at by such malignant soules. 7. a. To deduce (a meaning, etc.) by interpretation; to judge by inference, infer. ΚΠ c1450 Crt. of Love lix Construe the best, believe no tales newe, For many a lie is told, that semeth ful trewe. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Kv^v Shulde they whan they wake, construe any truth to folowe of this mater. 1589 Queen Elizabeth I Let. 1 Apr. in E. A. Bond Russia at Close of 16th Cent. (1856) App. ii. 298 Wee will conster (consider?) the beste of all thinges. 1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 183 You may haply conster that meaning out of that place. a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Cornw. 203 By these my Signs, the wise will easily conster, How little thou didst differ from a Monster. 1884 A. C. J. Gustafson Found. Death i. 5 Even from this it cannot be fairly construed that gross drunkenness was common. b. absol. or intransitive. Const. †of. ΚΠ 1584 G. Peele Araygnem. Paris ii. i. sig. Biij^v Wee must not conster heereof as yow meane. 1594 S. Daniel Complaint Rosamond xxxii A sinful monster, As by her words the chaster sort may conster. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. H4^v If wee should iudge or construe of the store of some excellent Ieweller, by that..which is set out toward the streete in his shoppe. View more context for this quotation †8. To understand (a person, i.e. his meaning). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] > reach understanding of > words or meaning takec1175 understanda1225 intenda1400 conceive?1526 accept1587 construe1622 to catch a person's drift1821 comprehend1860 to get on to ——1880 read1956 1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir ii. sig. D4^v I now conster thee. †9. To inform by way of explanation; to explain. ΘΚΠ society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > explain construea1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. i. 56 My Lady is within sir. I will conster to them whence you come. View more context for this quotation This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.1844v.1362
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