construe

Example Sentences

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Construe, construct.—"To construe means 'to interpret,' 'to show the meaning;' to construct means 'to build;' we may construe a sentence as in translation, or construct it as in composition."

From Practical Exercises in English by Buehler, Huber Gray

Construe the best, believe no tales new, For many a lie is told that seem'th full true; But think that she, so bounteous and so fair, Could not be false; imagine this alway.

From The Romance of Biography (Vol 1 of 2) or Memoirs of Women Loved and Celebrated by Poets, from the Days of the Troubadours to the Present Age. 3rd ed. 2 Vols. by Jameson, Mrs. (Anna)

I hope no Body will Construe this to be a Personal Satyr upon Myn Heer Callemburgh, But take it among ye, let it go, where it Fitts best.

From The Lay-Man's Sermon upon the Late Storm Held forth at an Honest Coffee-House-Conventicle by Defoe, Daniel

Construe, kon′strōō, or kon-strōō′, v.t. to exhibit the arrangement in another language: to translate: to explain: to interpret: to infer.—v.i. to admit of grammatical analysis.—Con′ster, an old form.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Construe that, Mr. Barton.—I am going to send down my pictures to Boulge, if I can secure them: they are not quite secure at present. 

From Letters of Edward FitzGerald in two volumes, Vol. 1 by Wright, William Aldis