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
Winning Time is an artistic work of interpretation made by creators independent of the Lakers’ influence who wanted to explore ideas about the ’80s, professional sports, and race in America.
—
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
While these services are not the main event of the national park—that would be the nature itself—the reduction in ranger talks and other types of interpretation would detract from the park’s educational potential, and the reduction of conveniences could impact length of stay.
—Will McGough, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
All three remakes show the power of interpretation – just as Lieberman’s largely unsung involvement in the song’s creation shows the importance of inspiration.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
According to his interpretation of inertia, the helicopter would travel farther than the Earth's surface beneath it due to the Earth's rotation.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
While these services are not the main event of the national park—that would be the nature itself—the reduction in ranger talks and other types of interpretation would detract from the park’s educational potential, and the reduction of conveniences could impact length of stay.
—Will McGough, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
All three remakes show the power of interpretation – just as Lieberman’s largely unsung involvement in the song’s creation shows the importance of inspiration.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
According to his interpretation of inertia, the helicopter would travel farther than the Earth's surface beneath it due to the Earth's rotation.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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