interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
Those patisserie-style frocks are exhibited alongside other modern-day interpretations of the queen’s impeccable wardrobe, from Milena Canonero’s Oscar-winning costumes for Coppola’s film to Galliano and Lagerfeld’s designs for Dior and Chanel, respectively.
—
Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Unlike systems before, which provided information or insights for human interpretation, AI offers a new kind of resource—an intelligent agent that works with us, learns and, in some instances, even makes decisions.
—Prashant Kondle, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
At a time when Americans seem split on nearly everything — from vaccine mandates to interpretations of free speech — one of the last places where people from different walks of life still sit side by side may be your local Applebee's.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Powell, for his part, resisted any interpretations of the central bank as being anything but independent.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Unlike systems before, which provided information or insights for human interpretation, AI offers a new kind of resource—an intelligent agent that works with us, learns and, in some instances, even makes decisions.
—Prashant Kondle, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
At a time when Americans seem split on nearly everything — from vaccine mandates to interpretations of free speech — one of the last places where people from different walks of life still sit side by side may be your local Applebee's.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Powell, for his part, resisted any interpretations of the central bank as being anything but independent.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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