con·strue 
/kənˈstru:/ verb
con·strues; con·strued; con·stru·ing /kənˈstru:/ verb [+ obj] somewhat formal 1 : to understand (an action, event, remark, etc.) in a particular way — usually + as ▪ He construed my actions as hostile. — often used as (be) construed ▪ Her frustration was construed [=perceived, interpreted] as anger. — compare misconstrue 2 : to understand the meaning of (a word, phrase, or sentence)
▪ The way the court construes various words has changed over time.
▪ The way the court construes various words has changed over time.
