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 Their proficiency extends to interpreting the evolving landscape of tax laws, ensuring compliance, and optimizing tax strategies for their clients. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 The leak was widely interpreted in Berlin to be a Russian operation meant to stoke opposition toward giving Ukraine more aid. Christopher F. Schuetze, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Because JavaScript interprets each number as a string type and does lexical sorting, not numerical sorting. Sheon Han, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024 The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has the power to interpret the rules and enforce them. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024 The dynamic nature of theater, which often involves analyzing scripts, understanding characters' motivations, and interpreting themes, sharpens students' ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. Jennifer "jay" Palumbo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Personhood laws seek to define life as beginning at the moment of conception, but often interpreted by some to apply only to conception that happens within a womb, not in a lab. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Some of the highlights from the survey say that 81% of people who answered had to rely on family or friends to interpret and translate or had to interpret and translate on their own, 61% faced difficulties when trying to get city services and 54% avoided city services altogether. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 While data can uncover trends, patterns, and opportunities at scale, human judgment is pivotal in interpreting these insights within the broader context of market dynamics, entrepreneurial potential, and strategic fit. Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

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

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 19 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!