Construe (verb)

1. To interpret the meaning of (words or actions); explain or understand in a particular way.
2. To construe a statute, agreement, or other legal document means to interpret its meaning.

Origin:

From latin construere "to build together, interpret".

Examples:

1. I construe your silence as agreement.
2. The court construed the contract to mean that the buyer was responsible for maintenance.
3. The lawyer construes the will to mean that the property is to be divided among the heirs.
4. The teacher construes the student's behavior as a sign of disrespect.
5. The text can be construes in different ways, depending on the reader's perspective.