construct
/kən'strʌkt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To build or make something physical: To put together parts or materials to form a whole structure or object.
- To form an idea or theory: To create something abstract by systematically arranging concepts, arguments, or evidence.
- To combine linguistic units: To form a grammatically correct sentence, paragraph, or larger piece of writing.
Noun:
- A complex idea or concept: An abstract idea or theoretical model formed in the mind.
Usage
- As a verb, "construct" typically takes a direct object (e.g., construct a building, construct an argument). It is used in both literal (physical) and figurative (mental/abstract) contexts.
- As a noun, "construct" is often used in academic, psychological, or sociological discussions to refer to a conceptual model.
Examples
- Verb (Physical):
- The city plans to construct a new bridge over the river.
- They constructed the model airplane from a kit.
- Verb (Abstract):
- The philosopher worked to construct a new theory of ethics.
- She carefully constructed her essay to present a compelling argument.
- Verb (Linguistic):
- Students learn to construct complex sentences using subordinate clauses.
- Noun:
- "Intelligence" is a psychological construct that is difficult to measure directly.
- The study examined the social construct of gender.
Advanced Usage
- "Social construct": A concept or perception of something based on the collective views developed and maintained within a society.
- Many argue that money is a social construct.
- "To construct a narrative": To create a coherent story or account of events, often with a specific perspective.
- The lawyer constructed a narrative that cast doubt on the witness's testimony.
Variants and Related Words
- Construction (n): The act or process of building; the industry involved in building; also, the arrangement of words in a sentence.
- The construction of the highway took three years.
- This sentence has a complex grammatical construction.
- Constructive (adj): Serving a useful purpose; positive and helpful.
- She appreciated his constructive criticism on her project.
- Constructor (n): A person or company that builds or makes something.
- He works as a constructor for a major engineering firm.
Synonyms
- Build (v): To make by putting together parts.
- Fabricate (v): To construct or manufacture, especially in an industrial setting.
- Formulate (v): To create or devise a plan, theory, or method systematically.
- Concept (n): An abstract idea.
Phrasal Verbs / Related Verb Phrases
(Note: "Construct" is not commonly used in phrasal verb combinations. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)
Related Idioms
- "Construct a case": To prepare and organize evidence and arguments to support a legal position or a particular viewpoint.
- The prosecutor spent months constructing a case against the defendant.
Noun
- an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Verb
- reassemble mentally
- reconstruct the events of 20 years ago
- create by organizing and linking ideas, arguments, or concepts
- construct a proof
- construct an argument
- create by linking linguistic units
- construct a sentence
- construct a paragraph
- draw with suitable instruments and under specified conditions
- construct an equilateral triangle
- put together out of artificial or natural components or parts; He manufactured a popular cereal"
- the company fabricates plastic chairs
- They manufacture small toys
- make by combining materials and parts
- this little pig made his house out of straw
- Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer