misconstrue
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Etymology
Origin of misconstrue
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at mis- 1, construe
Explanation
To misconstrue is to get the wrong idea about something. If you misconstrue a friend’s silence, you might get mad at him for ignoring you — until you find out he has a sore throat and can’t talk. The verb misconstrue comes from mis- meaning "wrong" and construe meaning "construction." Combined they mean "to put a wrong construction on" — in other words, to interpret in the wrong way. Sometimes people can intentionally allow others to misconstrue something for personal gain. For example, a politician may let voters misconstrue her voting record if she believes doing so will help her get elected.
Vocabulary lists containing misconstrue
Power Prefix: mis-
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Julius Caesar
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"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Misconstrue not; 'tis from the realm, not thee: Though lands part bodies, hearts keep company.
From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 7 by Various
Misconstrue, mis-kon′strōō, v.t. to construe or to interpret wrongly.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
Misconstrue not Her pure and heavenly rapture, blaming it As lustful heat unbridled.
From The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 01 Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. by Francke, Kuno
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
