Interpret studies precisely (8)
I believe the answer is:
construe
'interpret' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'studies precisely' is the wordplay.
'studies' becomes 'cons' (to con is to study or revise).
'precisely' becomes 'true' (true can mean truly or precisely).
'cons'+'true'='CONSTRUE'
(Other definitions for construe that I've seen before include "Analyse language" , "Counters (anag) - interpret" , "Understand" , "Recounts in order to interpret or explain" , "Counters so as to interpret or explain" .)