interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

-pət

interpreted; interpreting; interprets

transitive verb

1

: to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms

interpret dreams

needed help interpreting the results

2

: to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : construe

interpret a contract

3

: to represent by means of art : bring to realization by performance or direction

interprets a role

intransitive verb

: to act as an interpreter between speakers of different languages

interpretability

in-ˌtər-prə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-pə-tə-

noun

interpretable

in-ˈtər-prə-tə-bəl 

-pə-tə-

adjective

Synonyms

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate

Choose the Right Synonym for interpret

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable.

explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of interpret in a Sentence

We need someone to interpret these results for us.

How should we interpret the law?

I interpreted his behavior to mean that he disliked me.

Every actor interprets the role of Hamlet a little differently.

Recent Examples on the Web

Russian military aircraft flying near North America could be interpreted as another move by Moscow to test NATO's resolve during high tensions with the alliance. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

However, the video also shows King Charles and Kate Middleton sitting down while the guests clapped, which people are interpreting as a snub. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025

The remarks were interpreted by many on the right as an incorrect classification of Robinson’s beliefs and a direct or indirect placement of blame for Kirk’s murder on extreme-right politics. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

Details like Egg Chairs and red public telephones, seemingly paying homage to pavilions from Expo ’70, were presented to create a unique performance incorporating elements from 55 years ago interpreted in a modern way. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French interpreter, from Latin interpretari, from interpret-, interpres agent, negotiator, interpreter

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for interpret

• misinterpret
• reinterpret

Kids Definition

interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

1

: to explain the meaning of

interpret a dream

2

: to understand according to one's own belief or judgment

interpret an act as unfriendly

3

: to bring out the meaning of by performing

an actor interprets a role

4

: to translate for speakers of different languages

interpretable

-prət-ə-bəl 

adjective

Legal Definition

interpret

transitive verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent

they must interpret the provisions of the Constitution

—L. H. Tribe