Select the most similar meaning of “construe”:

Correct answer: Interpret. To construe is to interpret the meaning of something.

Background: To construe is to interpret the meaning of words or actions. It comes from the Latin construere.

• Firm: “Firm” is unrelated.
• Adjudicate: “Adjudicate” means to judge a dispute.
• None of these: “None of these” is incorrect because “interpret” is correct.

Did you know? “Misconstrue” means to interpret wrongly.

Memory trick: Construe = interpret (think: “construct a meaning”).