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

The ultimate test for all newly designed proteins: does the actual structure correspond to the predicted construct and the desired function?

From Science Daily

It was constructed and is operated with funding from the DOE Office of Science.

From Science Daily

This method constructs predictive models by sorting and combining data into groups, where they are computed in different combinations repeatedly until the best and most reliable data combination is identified.

From Science Daily

With less tritium required, the overall size of the fusion power plant can be reduced, making it easier to license, situate and construct.

From Science Daily

His campaign was constructed on an implicit promise to male voters that Trump was on a mission to restore sexist privileges many men feel have been lost in the #MeToo era.

From Salon

Related Words

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

More About Construct

What does construct mean?

To construct means to build or create by putting parts together, as in Val constructed a whole town out of toy building blocks.

A construct is something that is created, often with a complex form.

The verb form of construct, pronounced kuhn-struhkt, is most often used to refer to buildings and monuments being built, but it can be used in any situation where something is built or parts are combined. You can construct a meal, for example, out of ingredients in your refrigerator or construct an outfit out of articles of clothing in your closet.

The noun form of construct, pronounced kon-struhkt, is anything that is built, either literally or figuratively. It is most often used figuratively to describe something that is made up of practices or ideas from a specific philosophy or school of thought. Constructs are often complex theories that are informed by many smaller ideas of the way things work.

Example: The gas company tried to construct a new pipeline, but the pipes kept leaking.

Where does construct come from?

The first records of the term construct come from the late 1400s. It ultimately comes from the Latin construere, meaning “to heap together or build.”

The phrase social construct refers to a theory or practice made up by the people in that society. For example, currency is a construct because the people in a society agree that what is used for currency has value and can be exchanged for goods or services. As well, many cultural and societal expectations are social constructs. For example, in the United States the construct of shaking of hands has become a sign of respect for the person you’re shaking hands with.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to construct?

• constructible (adjective)
• overconstruct (verb)
• preconstruct (verb)
• constructor (noun)

What are some synonyms for construct?

• build
• create
• erect
• forge
• produce
• shape

What are some words that share a root or word element with construct?

• construction
• constructor
• constructive
• construe

What are some words that often get used in discussing construct?

• building
• monument
• social

How is construct used in real life?

Construct is most commonly used to mean “to build,” either literally or figuratively.

Imagine building detailed financial models and constructing complex algorithms only for your hedge fund to lose money in the biggest bull market this century pic.twitter.com/qs7ahBmF3I

— Dr. Parik Patel, BA, CFA, ACCA Esq. (drpatel.eth) (@ParikPatelCFA) December 31, 2021

I’m never late to ANYTHING because:

1) time is a social construct
2) I’m there in spirit

— tom (@tom_harlock) June 4, 2018

Attention Twitter, I chose to eat an apple instead of a bag of potato chips, please construct a monument in my honor.

— anildash (@anildash) April 10, 2015

 

Try using construct!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for construct?

A. destroy
B. build
C. create
D. design