construct

[kuhn-struhkt, kon-struhkt]

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.

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

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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of construct¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of construct¹

C17: from Latin constructus piled up, from construere to heap together, build, from struere to arrange, erect

Synonym Study

See make ¹.

Example Sentences

“I accept that I have quite a distinct way of writing vocal melodies and sort of constructing songs,” he says via Zoom.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Instead of writing a straight memoir, she’ll chronicle what she can and construct a fictional narrative around the rest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The construct of volatility derivatives has remained bullish throughout this past week, although some of its components have weakened a bit.

Read more on MarketWatch

Three generations of Murdaugh men constructed a fortress of political influence as state circuit solicitors, granting them a level of power that allowed them to evade numerous criminal allegations.

Read more on Salon

His other second-term developments include a gilded makeover for the White House, paving over the Rose Garden and constructing a $250m ballroom, as well as the clearing of homeless encampments throughout the capital.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.