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Misconstrue
To misunderstand; to interpret something wrongly
verb💡
Imagine This
When the ESL student first learned English, he misunderstood the grammar, and that led him to construct sentences with the wrong structure.
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Sounds Like
MIS-kon-STRU
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Looks Like
Mis (wrong) + construe
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Remember This
Remember this: Mis- is a prefix meaning bad or wrong. Examples: misdemeanor = bad conduct; misstep = a wrong step.
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Other Forms
misconstrueverb
misconstruedadjective
misconstruesverb
misconstruingverb
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Connect With
interpret, misinterpret, misread, misconceive, distort, misrepresent
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Note
Do not confuse misconstrue with construe, which means to interpret. Mis- changes the meaning to interpret wrongly. Also note that misconstrue is specifically about incorrect interpretation, not simply about constructing something.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The article misconstrued the scientist's findings, leading readers to doubt the research.
- If you misconstrue the coach's instructions, you may perform the drill incorrectly.
Synonyms
misinterpretmisreadmisconceivedistortmisrepresent
Antonyms
understand correctlyinterpret accuratelycomprehend
Etymology
From mis- (wrong) + construe (to interpret), with construe derived from Latin construere 'to set up, build, or compose'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: MIS- + CONSTRUE = 'wrong construction' of meaning; remember that to misconstrue is to build the meaning wrongly.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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