Guest
NerdDictionary The dictionary that writes itself

misconstrued JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/mɪskɒnˈstruːd/ · mis.con.strued
verb
  1. To interpret erroneously, to understand incorrectly; to misunderstand. The politician's statement was misconstrued by the media, leading to widespread confusion.
  2. To interpret something in a way that is opposite of its intended meaning. The comedian's joke was misconstrued by some audience members, who took it literally rather than as a joke.
noun
  1. A mistaken or incorrect interpretation of something. The team's misconstrued of the coach's instructions led to a series of mistakes on the field.
Did you know? The word 'misconstrued' has been used in various contexts, including literature and politics, to convey the idea of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. In 19th-century literature, authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens often used the term to highlight the complexities of human communication.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026