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REFERENCE

construed

v.
C1 Advanced US //kənˈstɹud// UK //kənstɹˈuːd// con·strued

v. to understand or explain the meaning of something in a particular way. It is often used when someone's words or actions could be interpreted in more than one way.

v. to interpret or understand the meaning of a word, action, or remark in a specific context. Often appears in the passive voice followed by 'as'.


SIMPLE

His silence was construed as a sign of agreement.

CONTEXTUAL

The new law could be construed as a restriction on free speech if applied too broadly by the courts.

COMPLEX

In the absence of a clear written policy, the manager's casual remarks were construed by the staff as a formal change in their working hours.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and frequently occurs in the passive voice ('be construed as').

Pitfall

He construed about the messageHe construed the messageConstrued is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

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