What does misconstrue mean?
Misconstrue means to interpret or understand something incorrectly, particularly when a person takes words, actions, or apparent intentions to mean something other than what was intended. The verb is transitive and is commonly used in reporting, academic writing, legal contexts, and discussion of public statements. For example, a comment may be described as being widely misconstrued if many people have understood it in a way its author did not intend. Misconstrue carries a stronger and more specific implication than simply being uncertain: it identifies the interpretation itself as wrong. Although the word can describe an innocent error, it can also imply that someone has twisted or distorted a message for effect. Its formation is transparent: the prefix mis- marks incorrectness, while construe means to interpret. The word is consequently useful whenever an accurate distinction matters between what was said and what was understood.
verbTo interpret or understand something wrongly, especially by attributing an unintended meaning, motive, or significance to words, actions, or evidence.
- Interpret words, actions, or evidence wrongly, especially by attributing a meaning, motive, or intention that was not intended.
"She was careful not to misconstrue his brief, guarded reply as a complete refusal."
"His comment was widely misconstrued as an attack on the proposal."
"The agreement was deliberately misconstrued to suggest that it applied more broadly than it did."
To misconstrue is to hear one sentence and answer another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misconstrue come from?
Misconstrue was formed in English by combining the prefix mis-, meaning wrongly, with construe. Construe derives from Latin construere, meaning to build or construct, through the development of the word’s meaning into interpreting a sentence or explaining its significance. The addition of mis- produced the modern sense of interpreting something incorrectly.
Related word forms
How misconstrue is actually used
The verb has a formal to neutral register and is especially common in journalism, academic discussion, and formal writing. It may describe an innocent misunderstanding or suggest deliberate distortion, depending on context.
Easily confused with misconstrue
Construe means to interpret words or an action in a particular way, whether correctly or incorrectly, whereas misconstrue specifically means to interpret something wrongly.