construct

Formsconstructs, constructing, constructed

Pluralconstructs

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To build something by putting its parts together.

   Like building a tower out of blocks, one piece at a time.

   Workers construct the bridge over several months.

   They constructed a small shed in the backyard.

   Similarbuild, erect, assemble, make, fabricate

   Oppositedemolish, dismantle, destroy, raze

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   An idea or model that someone builds in their mind, not a real object.

   Like an idea you build in your head, not something you can touch.

   Many people think that money's value is only a construct in our minds.

   Time zones are a construct people made to organize the day.

   Similarconcept, notion, idea, model, abstraction

3. 3
   nouncountable

   A thing that is built or made from separate parts.

   Like a sandcastle made by packing many handfuls of sand together.

   The model airplane was a delicate construct of balsa wood.

   Their tree house was an odd construct of planks and rope.

   Similarstructure, construction, creation, assemblage

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To build a sentence or argument by putting words and ideas in order.

   Like building a wall, but you place words instead of bricks.

   Try to construct a clear sentence before you start writing.

   She constructed a strong argument for her essay.

   Similarbuild, formulate, compose, frame, devise

   Note
5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To draw a shape exactly by following clear steps and using math tools.

   Like drawing a shape by carefully following a set of steps.

   Use a compass to construct a perfect circle on the page.

   The students constructed a triangle with a ruler and pencil.

   Similardraw

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   A piece of genetic material that scientists make in a lab to put into a cell.

   Like a tiny package of instructions made to drop inside a living cell.

   The scientists inserted the construct into a bacterial cell.

   Each construct carried a gene they wanted to test.

   Note

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