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interpret

verb
in·​ter·​pret | \ in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio) , -pət\
interpreted; interpreting; interprets

Definition of interpret

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
Other Words from interpret Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about interpret

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Other Words from interpret

interpretability \ in-​ˌtər-​prə-​tə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce interpretability (audio) , -​pə-​tə-​ \ noun
interpretable \ in-​ˈtər-​prə-​tə-​bəl How to pronounce interpretable (audio) , -​pə-​tə-​ \ 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Certainly, that’s how the response was interpreted by some viewers. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "Robert Mueller’s use of “I take your question,” as defined by a legal expert," 24 July 2019 What’s important is that when Celeste interprets me as pushing her to date, that’s her projection. — Candice Frederick, Harper's BAZAAR, "Big Little Lies’ Robin Weigert Will See You Now," 21 July 2019 Everything in the collection is designed to be worn your way; each piece is simple, beautifully and thoughtfully designed and crafted, and ready to be interpreted by you— just like a pair of Levi’s jeans. — Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue, "Wardrobe.NYC Dropped The Coolest Capsule Collection with Levi’s," 18 July 2019 The percentage rate cut was anywhere from the high single-digits into the high teens, depending on how the pact’s terms are interpreted by the two camps, people familiar with the talks said. ... — Drew Fitzgerald, WSJ, "Viacom CEO Charges Less for Channels in Bid for Long-Term Growth," 9 May 2019 Let’s keep the conversation open for listeners to interpret it for themselves. — Danny Murphy, Glamour, "If You Love 'Thank U, Next,' Just Wait Until You Meet Songwriter Tayla Parx," 3 Dec. 2018 The boy was a Chinese citizen, and spiriting him out of the country would be interpreted by Chinese authorities as one thing only: kidnapping. — Todd Pitman, Fox News, "6 Years Gone: Myanmar woman escapes brutal China captivity," 6 Sep. 2018 Yet my lawyer assures me the law could interpret 13 years in many ways. — Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, "Friends offer unsolicited advice," 22 July 2019 Yet my lawyer assures me the law could interpret 13 years in many ways. — Carolyn Hax, oregonlive.com, "Carolyn Hax: For non-lawyers, friends sure have a lot of opinions on the law," 21 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interpret.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of interpret

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for interpret

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French interpreter, from Latin interpretari, from interpret-, interpres agent, negotiator, interpreter

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More Definitions for interpret

interpret

verb
How to pronounce interpret (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interpret

: to explain the meaning of (something)
: to understand (something) in a specified way
: to perform (something, such as a song or a role) in a way that shows your own thoughts and feelings about it

See the full definition for interpret in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interpret

verb
in·​ter·​pret | \ in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio) \
interpreted; interpreting

Kids Definition of interpret

1 : to explain the meaning of She claims to interpret dreams.
2 : to understand in a particular way He interpreted Cluny's order as the much-coveted promotion to second-in-command.— Brian Jacques, Redwall
3 : to bring out the meaning of An actor interprets a role.

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