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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In effect, those words could easily be interpreted as how Nike views the competition, i.e., stealing Lontex’s trademark, its employees and even its customers. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Every three years, the nation’s cutting-edge designers, artists and architects convene at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York for its triennial to interpret the creative and cultural themes of contemporary life—always with magnificent, eye-catching surprises. Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 If military lawyers interpret the deportation orders - which could involve millions of people - as legal, troops would be mandated to carry them out. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Music is meant to be experienced, and everyone interprets songs and albums differently. Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 1 Nov. 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 14 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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