con·strue / kənˈstroō/ • v. (-strues, -strued, -stru·ing) [tr.] (often be construed) interpret (a word or action) in a particular way. ∎  dated analyze the syntax of (a text, sentence, or word): both verbs can be construed with either infinitive. ∎ dated translate (a passage or author) word for word, typically aloud.DERIVATIVES: con·stru·a·ble adj.con·stru·al / -ˈstroōəl/ n.

construe (gram.) analyse the construction of; expound, interpret. XIV. — L. construere CONSTRUCT.