Construe /(?; Archaic ?)/

Con·strue

Construe

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Construed; p. pr. & vb. n. Construing

  1. To apply the rules of syntax to (a sentence or clause) so as to exhibit the structure, arrangement, or connection of, or to discover the sense; to explain the construction of; to interpret; to translate.
  2. To put a construction upon; to explain the sense or intention of; to interpret; to understand.
    Thus we are put to construe and paraphrase our own words to free ourselves either from the ignorance or malice of our enemies.
    — Bp. Stilingfleet.
    And to be dull was construed to be good.