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Definition of misconstrue

misconstrue

/ˌmɪs.kənˈstruː/
mis · con · strue
Adjective:misconstrued
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Past Simple:misconstrued
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Past Participle:misconstrued
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Present Participle:misconstruing
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misconstrue Lexical Profile

misconstrue Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To interpret a person's words, actions, or intentions wrongly.

Example

"She worried that the committee might misconstrue her silence as a lack of interest in the project."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for misconstrue
Antonyms
View all antonyms for misconstrue

• Rhymes for misconstrue

• Nearby Words

misconnect
misconnection
misconstruct
misconstrue
miscopy
miscount
miscreant

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the 14th century, the word combines the Germanic prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) with 'construe,' which derives from Latin 'construere' ('to heap together, build, or analyze grammatically').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misconstrue. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misconstrue
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