construct

American  

[kuhn-struhkt, kon-struhkt] / kənˈstrʌkt, ˈkɒn strʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to build or form by putting together parts; frame; devise.

   Synonyms:

   form, erect

2. Geometry. to draw (a figure) fulfilling certain given conditions.

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noun

1. something constructed.

   Each musical note sign is a construct of three distinct parts: the head, the stem, and the hook.

2. a mental image, idea, or theory, especially a complex one formed from a number of simpler elements.

   Character is a construct of personal values, personal rules and morals, and a number of other facets, including self-control and willpower.

construct British  

verb

1. to put together substances or parts, esp systematically, in order to make or build (a building, bridge, etc); assemble

2. to compose or frame mentally (an argument, sentence, etc)

3. geometry to draw (a line, angle, or figure) so that certain requirements are satisfied

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noun

1. something formulated or built systematically

2. a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas

3. psychol a model devised on the basis of observation, designed to relate what is observed to some theoretical framework

Usage

What does construct mean? To construct means to build or create by putting parts together, as in Val constructed a whole town out of toy building blocks.A construct is something that is created, often with a complex form.The verb form of construct, pronounced kuhn-struhkt, is most often used to refer to buildings and monuments being built, but it can be used in any situation where something is built or parts are combined. You can construct a meal, for example, out of ingredients in your refrigerator or construct an outfit out of articles of clothing in your closet.The noun form of construct, pronounced kon-struhkt, is anything that is built, either literally or figuratively. It is most often used figuratively to describe something that is made up of practices or ideas from a specific philosophy or school of thought. Constructs are often complex theories that are informed by many smaller ideas of the way things work.Example: The gas company tried to construct a new pipeline, but the pipes kept leaking.

Related Words

See make ¹.

Other Word Forms

• constructible adjective
• constructor noun
• overconstruct verb (used with object)
• preconstruct verb (used with object)
• quasi-constructed adjective
• well-constructed adjective

Etymology

Origin of construct

First recorded in 1400–50 for earlier past participle sense; 1655–65 for current senses; late Middle English, from Latin constrūctus (past participle of construere “to construe ”), equivalent to con- con- + strūc- (variant stem of struere “to build”) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

Using a neutron detector funded through the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program and constructed at UT, the scientists uncovered three major findings.

From Science Daily

There are 20 amino acids used to construct the proteins found in all forms of life.

From Science Daily

To avoid triggering magnetic mines, the hulls are constructed of wood and fiberglass.

From The Wall Street Journal

But that proposal exempted build-to-rent developers that construct new homes for the purpose of renting them out, either on their own or by selling the homes to institutional investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The port was improved, and a new fleet of warships was constructed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• build up
• compose
• create
• design
• erect
• establish
• fashion
• forge
• form
• formulate
• found
• manufacture
• organize
• produce
• put up
• set up
• shape