interpolate

verb

in·​ter·​po·​late in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt 

interpolated; interpolating

transitive verb

1

a

: to alter or corrupt (something, such as a text) by inserting new or foreign matter

b

: to insert (words) into a text or into a conversation

2

: to insert between other things or parts : intercalate

3

: to estimate values of (data or a function) between two known values

intransitive verb

: to make insertions (as of estimated values)

interpolative

in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

interpolator

in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

Did you know?

When Henry Cockeram put interpolate in his 1623 The English Dictionary; or, An Interpreter of Hard English Words he defined it in a way we no longer use: “to polish.” Cockeram’s definition ties the word very closely to its Latin root, polire, “to polish,” but the English word has a more direct source in Latin interpolare, meaning “to refurbish or alter,” or “to alter or corrupt something by inserting new or foreign matter.” This latter meaning persists in our English word today, though modern use of interpolate usually simply suggests the insertion of something into an existing text, work, etc., as in “she interpolated her own commentary into the report.” Musical elements can be interpolated too, as when an artist inserts a melody, lyric, etc., from one song into another without directly sampling. For example, the Beatles interpolated part of their early hit “She Loves You” into the closing moments of their later hit “All You Need Is Love.” In mathematical contexts, to interpolate is to estimate the values of data or a function between two known values.

Synonyms

• edge in
• fit (in or into)
• inject
• insert
• insinuate
• intercalate
• interject
• interpose
• intersperse
• introduce
• sandwich (in or between)
• work in

Choose the Right Synonym for interpolate

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

Examples of interpolate in a Sentence

He smoothly interpolates fragments from other songs into his own.

He interpolated a very critical comment in the discussion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The writers of the J-Kwon anthem will now only eligible for a certificate if the song wins at the Feb. 1 awards ceremony, per the Academy's rules regarding sampled or interpolated material. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Thornton cleared his throat, and politely interpolated his thoughts. —Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024

That just wouldn’t have crossed my brain, to try to interpolate that into a song. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

There was a voice message from Daniel Garcia’s mom that was interpolated in a music video. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin interpolatus, past participle of interpolare to refurbish, alter, interpolate, from inter- + -polare (from polire to polish)

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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Kids Definition

interpolate

verb

in·​ter·​po·​late in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt 

interpolated; interpolating

1

: to alter (as a text) by inserting new matter

2

: to insert between other things or parts

interpolation

-ˌtər-pə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

interpolative

-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective

interpolator

-ˌlāt-ər 

noun