Misconstrue

/ˌmɪs.kənˈstruː/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To interpret something incorrectly or misunderstand it.

She misconstrued his comments as an insult when he meant them as a compliment.

To misinterpret the intention or meaning of someone’s words or actions.

The reporter misconstrued the politician's statement, leading to widespread confusion.

To take the meaning of a word or phrase in a way that is different from what was intended.

He was worried that his words might be misconstrued during the meeting.

To make a mistaken interpretation of facts or situations.

When she saw the email, she misconstrued it as a rejection rather than an inquiry.

From the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and 'construe', from Latin 'construere' meaning 'to build together'.

misconstrue someone's intentions

To misunderstand what someone means or intends.

don't misconstrue my words

A warning not to take what was said in the wrong way.

misinterpret

To interpret something wrongly.

misunderstand

To fail to understand something correctly.

Getting the wrong end of the stick

She really got the wrong end of the stick when he said that.

Reading between the lines incorrectly

I feel like you're reading between the lines incorrectly.