ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›M›misconstrue
ISEE/SSAThard
misconstrue
to misunderstand or interpret incorrectly
Synonyms
- misinterpret
- misjudge
- misread
Antonyms
- understand
- comprehend
- grasp
misconstrue in a sentence
Reporters misconstrued the senator's joke as a serious policy proposal.
Because the coach's blunt feedback lacked explanation, several players misconstrued his criticism as a sign he wanted them off the team.
Where it comes from
From Latin mis- 'wrongly' plus construere 'to construct'
Memory hook
MIS (wrongly) + CONSTRUE (interpret) — to misconstrue is to interpret wrongly.
Word parts
- mis — wrong
misconstrue: mis- (wrong) + construe (interpret)
Read it in context
- Before Sunrise Narrative
Practice misconstrue in the app