misconstruct
misconstruct Lexical Profile
misconstruct Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To build, assemble, or formulate something incorrectly or faultily.
"If the contractors misconstruct the load-bearing wall, the entire renovation will fail the safety inspection."
To interpret or understand words, actions, or intentions wrongly; to misconstrue.
"The critic seemed determined to misconstruct the author's central argument throughout the review."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the incorrect interpretation of words or actions, 'misconstrue' is strongly preferred in modern standard English; 'misconstruct' is now mostly reserved for faulty physical or grammatical construction.
• Rhymes for misconstruct
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'construct', which derives from the Latin 'constructus', the past participle of 'construere' (to heap together or build).