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Mr. Tom Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

The use of "construe"

Hi

Can we use the word "construe" in everyday English? Are these OK?

* Can you construe the meaning of cogent?

(In exam)

* How many of the following words can you construe?

[The students are supposed to write down the meanings of the words the teacher has given]

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Not really; it is too formal. Besides, in grammar it has a very old-fashioned meaning: to analyze the syntax of; to rehearse the applicable grammatical rules of: to construe a sentence. Save the word for formal utterances involved with figuring out a difficult interpretation.

— Mister Micawber

  • Not really; it is too formal.
  • Besides, in grammar it has a very old-fashioned meaning: to analyze the syntax of; to rehearse the applicable grammatical rules of: to construe a sentence.
  • Save the word for formal utterances involved with figuring out a difficult interpretation.
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2 Answers
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Not really; it is too formal. Besides, in grammar it has a very old-fashioned meaning: to analyze the syntax of; to rehearse the
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Hi,

Can we use the word "construe" in everyday English? Yes, but only if you are talking to educated people.
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