construe
verb (used with object)
was construing
-
past progressiveof construe.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
His nails were bitten to the quick, for while some trembling boy was construing he would sit at his desk shaking with the fury that consumed him, and gnaw his fingers.
From Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
“I was construing a line of Virgil,” he said.
From Girls of the Forest by L. T. Meade
I really believe that, like a good Calvinist with a sound minister tried and proven, my father allowed himself a little nap by way of refreshment while Fred Esquillant was construing.
From The Dew of Their Youth by S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
"You must remember you are translating poetry," said a conscientious master to a boy who was construing Virgil.
From Joyous Gard by Arthur Christopher Benson
The class was construing Shakespeare and one of the students asked the professor what the meaning of a particular figure used by the great dramatist was.
From Education: How Old The New by James J. Walsh
