Constructing

/kənˈstrʌktɪŋ/

verbIntermediate🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To build or put together something, especially a building or a structure.

/kənˈstrʌktɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To build or form something, typically a building, road, or machine.

They are constructing a new apartment complex downtown.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing with LEGOs and putting the pieces together to build a cool spaceship. That's like constructing! You're making something new.

👶 For kids: Making something, like building a tower with blocks!

More Examples

2

The team is constructing a detailed plan for the project.

3

Building a new house involves the hard labor of constructing a new building.

How It's Used

Engineering

"Engineers are constructing a new bridge over the river."

Architecture

"The architects are currently constructing the city's new art museum."

2

To create or form something complex from various elements or ideas.

/kənˈstrʌktɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To form or create by putting components or ideas together.

The lawyer is constructing a strong case against the defendant.

💡 Simply: When you're writing a story, you're constructing a plot. You're putting together the characters, setting, and events to make a cool story happen.

👶 For kids: Making something by putting different parts or ideas together.

More Examples

2

The scientist is constructing a hypothesis based on his data.

3

The artist is constructing an abstract sculpture using metal and glass.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"Philosophers often construct arguments to support their theories."

Writing

"The author is constructing the plot of his novel."

Tip:Think of constructing a complex sentence by putting phrases together to form the complete thought.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *construere* ('to build, construct'), from *con-* ('together') + *struere* ('to pile up, build').

The word has been used since the 14th century, initially with the meaning 'to build'. Over time it expanded to include the creation of abstract ideas or concepts.

Memory tip

Think of *con-* as 'together' and *struct* as 'build' or 'pile up'. Construct means to put things together to build something.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to build"

construct a buildingconstruct a theoryconstruct an argumentconstruct a plan

Common misspellings

constuctingconstrucktingconstruting

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written