interpret

[in-tur-prit]

verb (used with object)

1. to give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate.

   to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable.

2. to construe or understand in a particular way.

   to interpret a reply as favorable.

3. to bring out the meaning of (a dramatic work, music, etc.) by performance or execution.

4. to perform or render (a song, role in a play, etc.) according to one's own understanding or sensitivity.

   The actor interpreted Lear as a weak, pitiful old man.

5. to translate orally.

6. Computers.

   1. to use an interpreter to transform (a program written in a high-level language) into a sequence of machine actions, one statement at a time, executing each statement immediately before going on to transform the next one.

   2. to read (the patterns of holes in punched cards) with an interpreter, printing the interpreted data on the same cards so that they can be read more conveniently by people.

verb (used without object)

1. to translate what is said in a foreign language.

2. to explain something; give an explanation.

interpret

/ ɪnˈtɜːprɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to clarify or explain the meaning of; elucidate

2. (tr) to construe the significance or intention of

   to interpret a smile as an invitation

3. (tr) to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc) in performance

4. (intr) to act as an interpreter; translate orally

Other Word Forms

• interpretability noun
• interpretably adverb
• interpretable adjective
• interpretableness noun
• noninterpretability noun
• noninterpretable adjective
• preinterpret verb (used with object)
• reinterpret verb
• self-interpreted adjective
• self-interpreting adjective
• uninterpretable adjective
• uninterpreted adjective
• well-interpreted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpret¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English interpreten, from Latin interpretārī, derivative of interpret-, stem of interpres “explainer”

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpret¹

C14: from Latin interpretārī, from interpres negotiator, one who explains, from _inter- + -pres, probably related to pretium _price

Example Sentences

Some critics interpreted the ads as a play on eugenics, the discredited belief that humanity could be improved through selective breeding.

From BBC

But some residents interpreted this as a blanket prohibition on feeding dogs.

From BBC

Some senior government figures are interpreting this as the prime minister wanting to take a bigger personal role in the discussions in the run-up to the Budget.

From BBC

The department has interpreted the law to require property owners to get take permits for ground-disturbing work that’s performed within a certain distance of a Joshua tree.

From Los Angeles Times

While some people on social media were amused by line of questioning, others questioned whether it could be interpreted as racist or misogynistic.

From BBC

Related Words

• clarify 
• construe 
• decipher 
• depict 
• describe 
• enact 
• explain 
• illustrate 
• portray 
• read 
• solve 
• translate 
• understand 
• view 

When To Use

What are other ways to say interpret?

To interpret is to give or provide the meaning of something, or to construe or understand something in a particular way. What’s the difference between interpret, elucidate, expound, and explain? Find out on Thesaurus.com.