construct

[ verb kuhn-struhkt; noun kon-struhkt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to build or form by putting together parts; frame; devise.

   Synonyms: form, erect

2. Geometry. to draw (a figure) fulfilling certain given conditions.

noun

1. something constructed:

   Each musical note sign is a construct of three distinct parts: the head, the stem, and the hook.

2. a mental image, idea, or theory, especially a complex one formed from a number of simpler elements:

   Character is a construct of personal values, personal rules and morals, and a number of other facets, including self-control and willpower.

construct

verb

1. to put together substances or parts, esp systematically, in order to make or build (a building, bridge, etc); assemble
2. to compose or frame mentally (an argument, sentence, etc)
3. geometry to draw (a line, angle, or figure) so that certain requirements are satisfied

noun

1. something formulated or built systematically
2. a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas
3. psychol a model devised on the basis of observation, designed to relate what is observed to some theoretical framework

Derived Forms

• conˈstructible, adjective
• conˈstructor, noun

Other Words From

• con·struct·i·ble adjective
• o·ver·con·struct verb (used with object)
• pre·con·struct verb (used with object)
• qua·si-con·struct·ed adjective
• well-con·struct·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of construct¹

First recorded in 1400–50 for earlier past participle sense; 1655–65 for current senses; late Middle English, from Latin constrūctus (past participle of construere “to construe ”), equivalent to con- con- + strūc- (variant stem of struere “to build”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of construct¹

C17: from Latin constructus piled up, from construere to heap together, build, from struere to arrange, erect

Synonym Study

See make ¹.

Example Sentences

"Seeing Earth so clearly, the swirls of clouds and the oceans, made me think about the geopolitical boundaries that we construct and how actually we are completely interconnected."

From BBC

The AU Commission worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to construct an "African peace and security architecture" that ranged from proactive diplomacy to avert looming conflicts through to coordinated mediation efforts and peacekeeping operations, all underpinned by norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act.

From BBC

Kapadia’s mother, Nalini Malani, is an accomplished video artist, and she remembers watching her mom construct films, getting excited as she explained the reason behind each cut, feeling, as a kid, that she knew a secret no one else understood.

From Los Angeles Times

The fascist leader must construct scary enemies for the followers to fear because the only way he achieves power is to promise he alone can eradicate the threat.

From Salon

Permitted development rights meant the local authority did not need planning permission to construct the units, which will stand for five years.

From BBC

Related Words

• build up
• compose
• create
• design
• erect
• establish
• fashion
• forge
• form
• formulate
• found
• manufacture
• organize
• produce
• put up
• set up
• shape