# reconstruct

/ˌɹikənˈstɹəkt/ (US) · /ɹˌiːkənstɹˈʌkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reconstruct
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to rebuild

verb · CEFR B2

to build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed.

For teachers: to build or assemble something again, typically after it has been damaged, destroyed, or dismantled.

- The city worked for years to reconstruct the historic bridge after the flood.
- Following the earthquake, the government allocated significant funds to reconstruct the damaged infrastructure using modern seismic-resistant materials.

Usage: Often used with physical structures like buildings, bridges, or historical sites.

### 2. to piece together an event

verb · CEFR B2

to use information or evidence to figure out exactly how something happened in the past.

For teachers: to form a picture or model of a past event by assembling and analyzing available evidence.

- Police are trying to reconstruct the accident to see who was at fault.
- Forensic experts spent weeks trying to reconstruct the final moments of the flight by analyzing data from the black box recorders.

Usage: Commonly used in legal, forensic, and historical contexts.

## Examples

- The city worked hard to reconstruct the bridge after the flood.
- Detectives spent weeks trying to reconstruct the events leading up to the robbery by interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage.
- By analyzing the fossilized remains and soil composition, paleontologists were able to reconstruct the prehistoric ecosystem with remarkable detail, revealing a lush landscape once dominated by giant ferns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.