misconstrue

[US]/ˌmɪskənˈstruː/
[UK]/ˌmɪskənˈstruː/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. misunderstand.

Example Sentences

You have misconstrued my words.

You have completely misconstrued what I said.

It's easy to misconstrue her intentions.

Do not misconstrue my silence as agreement.

He didn't mean to misconstrue your words.

Misconstruing the situation could lead to misunderstandings.

She tends to misconstrue constructive criticism as personal attacks.

It's important not to misconstrue cultural differences as deficiencies.

Misconstruing his actions led to unnecessary conflict.

Misconstruing his kindness, she thought he was interested in her romantically.

Misconstrue his shyness as arrogance.

It's easy to misconstrue tone in text messages.

Real-world Examples

The presumptive Republican nominee says his words were misconstrued.

Source: AP Listening June 2016 Collection

That attitude misconstrues the ultimate appeal of gardening: it mistakes the product for the purpose.

Source: The Economist - Arts

In social situations, my quiet demeanor is often misconstrued as disinterest, or worse, arrogance.

Source: 202322

It can be so easy to misconstrue someone's actual words.

Source: Khan Academy Open Course: English Grammar

We're bidding on a new contract with their company and the gift could be misconstrued as a bribe.

Source: 2011 ESLPod

More impersonal communication that can be easily misconstrued is not the answer.

Source: "Reconstructing a Lady" Original Soundtrack

" To misconstrue" would be to misinterpret, or not to interpret correctly, not to understand.

Source: 2011 ESLPod

" I deeply disagree about publishing this. It seems like something that could easily be misconstrued."

Source: New York Times

The eagle, however, misconstrues this as an act of aggression and grabs the baby in its talon.

Source: "Friends" classic lines

It was annoying the way Melly always misconstrued her motives — but perhaps that was far preferable to having her suspect the truth.

Source: Gone with the Wind

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