interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
-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 noun
interpretable adjective
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chan shares that the reactions were a mixed bag—some millennials felt slighted, interpreting the playful tone as a critique of their generation, while others related and shared their own experiences in a lighthearted manner. Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Organizations need mechanisms in place to synthesize, visualize and interpret relevant and timely insights. Swapna Sathyan, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Prosecutors took liberties in interpreting defendants’ literary work to imply a criminality bleeding into every aspect of their lives. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 Bats swooped near the fire, interpreted to be the spirits themselves. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interpret 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpret was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interpret

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpret. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

interpret

verb
in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
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 adjective

Legal Definition

interpret

transitive verb
in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent
they must interpret the provisions of the ConstitutionL. H. Tribe

More from Merriam-Webster on interpret

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