reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
-pət
reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again
specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation noun

Examples of reinterpret in a Sentence

New information may force us to reinterpret the evidence. The director wants to reinterpret the old play for a modern audience.
Recent Examples on the Web Other priests have reinterpreted Christian doctrine in ways that recall the Crusades. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024 The Buzz on Boat Shoes: The category of footwear created when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president is being reinterpreted and rediscovered. Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024 The Row leans into the mood with its relaxed Oregon tote, while Matthieu Blazy reinterprets Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave in an oversized, fan-like shape. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 For the series, Ruscha reinterpreted the titular 19th century painting cycle by Hudson River School founder Thomas Cole, who depicted the rise and fall of civilization over five canvases. Michael Slenske, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024 Currently in production, High and Low reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller of the same name from 1963. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2024 At once biomorphic and industrial, the Side Chair is now endlessly cribbed and reinterpreted, showing up in high-end restaurants and Brooklyn townhouses. Evan Moffitt, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024 This month, after years of pressure from misguided activists, the Biden Administration announced a plan to dramatically reinterpret a provision of that vital law. Almesha L. Campbell, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2024 As the mandate passes down through layer after layer, each layer reinterprets the mandate in its own way. Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reinterpret.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinterpret was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near reinterpret

Cite this Entry

“Reinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinterpret. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb
re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
: to interpret again
especially : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reinterpret

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