misconstrue
|mis/con/strue|
B2
/ˌmɪskənˈstruː/
wrong interpretation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'misconstrue' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'misconstruen,' where 'mis-' meant 'wrongly' and 'construen' meant 'to construct or interpret.'
Historical Evolution
'misconstruen' transformed into the modern English word 'misconstrue' through the influence of Old French 'construer.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to interpret wrongly,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to interpret (something, especially a person's words or actions) wrongly.
He misconstrued her silence as disapproval.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35