misconstrue

[ mis-kuhn-strooor, especially British, mis-kon-stroo ]

verb (used with object)

misconstrued, misconstruing.

1. to misunderstand the meaning of; take in a wrong sense; misinterpret.

   Synonyms: misjudge, misapprehend, misread

misconstrue

/ ˌmɪskənˈstruː /

verb

1. tr to interpret mistakenly

Word History and Origins

Origin of misconstrue¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, construe

Example Sentences

“The stop work order is being implemented due to causes outside of your control and should not be misconstrued as an indication of poor performance by your firm,” the letter said.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re trying to misconstrue it, like they have with other realities, which I try to ignore.

From Los Angeles Times

A request from the fire department was misconstrued online, illustrating the untapped resource of civic-minded neighbors eager to pitch in.

From Los Angeles Times

Bangladesh responded hours later, expressing its "utter dismay" at the arrest being "misconstrued by certain quarters".

From BBC

Mbonambi denied the accusation, saying he had used an Afrikaans phrase that had been misconstrued, and World Rugby decided there was insufficient evidence to charge him.

From BBC

Related Words

• distort
• exaggerate
• misinterpret
• misread
• misunderstand
• pervert