construct

[ verb kuhn-struhkt; noun kon-struhkt ]

See synonyms for: construct constructed constructing constructs on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to build or form by putting together parts; frame; devise.
Geometry. to draw (a figure) fulfilling certain given conditions.

noun

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

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

synonym study For construct

1. See make¹.

Other words for construct

1	erect, form

See synonyms for construct on Thesaurus.com

Other words from construct

con·struct·i·ble, adjective
o·ver·con·struct, verb (used with object)
pre·con·struct, verb (used with object)
qua·si-con·struct·ed, adjective
well-con·struct·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use construct in a sentence

What we know of race, not ethnicity or culture, but race in and of itself is that it’s a manmade construct.
Colorism Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg In ‘Passing’ | Brande Victorian | February 1, 2021 | Essence.com
It’s a fascinating exploration of how social scientists go about testing a new construct, seeking to learn if and how despair is different than depression and other mental health diagnoses.
When data shed light on societal challenges | Nancy Shute | January 24, 2021 | Science News
This year we also explored mathematicians’ growing familiarity with geometric constructs, examined how computer programs are helping mathematicians with their proofs, and surveyed the current state of mathematics and its problems.
The Year in Math and Computer Science | Bill Andrews | December 23, 2020 | Quanta Magazine
They wrote that “race is a social, not a biological construct,” and that they “are committed to ensuring that racial bias does not affect the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of kidney diseases.”
For Years, JaMarcus Crews Tried to Get a New Kidney, but Corporate Healthcare Stood in the Way | by Lizzie Presser | December 15, 2020 | ProPublica
So I’m very encouraged that people have now gotten used to the fact that, hey, you don’t have to fit into that rigid, traditional corporate construct.
The biggest risks and opportunities for investors in 2021 | matthewheimer | November 20, 2020 | Fortune

After all, we have constructed Fortress America at enormous cost.
A Gift to the Jihadis: The Unseen Airport Security Threat | Clive Irving | December 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In The Lodger an ominous character paced the floor, which Hitchcock constructed of glass.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days | David Freeman | December 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
At 17 acres, it was the largest gambling house ever constructed, and at a cost of $1.2 billion, it was also the most expensive.
I Watched a Casino Kill Itself: The Awful Last Nights of Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal | Olivia Nuzzi | December 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
His stories were constructed with ruthless narrative efficiency.
Can Tarzan of the Apes Survive in a Post-Colonial World? | Ted Gioia | November 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
For the next 33 years, he singlehandedly constructed a palace in his garden, stone by stone.
The Postman Who Built a Palace in France…by Hand | Nina Strochlic | November 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I believe that these are ideal characters constructed from still more ancient legends and traditions.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
The large vaults constructed under the Hall in 1875 coat about £4,000.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
Before the invention of pneumatic and electro-pneumatic action, organs were almost invariably constructed in a single mass.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
Trevithick constructed the first boiler and engine capable of safely and economically using the power of high-pressure steam.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2) | Francis Trevithick
Many organs now constructed have their tonal effects more than doubled through adoption of this principle.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller

British Dictionary definitions for construct

construct

verb(kənˈstrʌkt) (tr)

to put together substances or parts, esp systematically, in order to make or build (a building, bridge, etc); assemble
to compose or frame mentally (an argument, sentence, etc)

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

noun(ˈkɒnstrʌkt)

something formulated or built systematically
a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas

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

Origin of construct

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

Derived forms of construct

constructible, adjective
constructor or constructer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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