construct

[ verb kuhn-struhkt; noun kon-struhkt ]
See synonyms for construct on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to build or form by putting together parts; frame; devise.

  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.

Origin of construct

1
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

synonym study For construct

1. See make1.

Other words for construct

Other words from construct

  • 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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for construct

construct

verb(kənˈstrʌkt) (tr)
  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)

  1. geometry to draw (a line, angle, or figure) so that certain requirements are satisfied

noun(ˈkɒnstrʌkt)
  1. something formulated or built systematically

  2. a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas

  1. psychol a model devised on the basis of observation, designed to relate what is observed to some theoretical framework

Origin of construct

1
C17: from Latin constructus piled up, from construere to heap together, build, from struere to arrange, erect

Derived forms of construct

  • constructible, adjective
  • constructor or constructer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012