interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-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
interpretational adjective
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
 also  -prə-tə-tiv
adjective
interpretatively adverb
interpretive adjective
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 Ben Berwick, counsel at Protect Democracy and one of Richer's attorneys for the lawsuit, said the decision could leave the new anti-SLAPP law open to interpretation as other cases come along to test it. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 But the language of Louisiana’s law may leave too much open to interpretation, said John Storment, a fertility doctor at Fertility Answers, which has Baton Rouge and Lafayette clinics. Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 Some German journalists had a different interpretation of events. Christopher F. Schuetze, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 An elegant interpretation of the ever-popular sheer trend. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 Its purpose, according to founding documents and recent interpretations, is to foster a culture that produces great works of science, art, literature, and music. Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024 However, interpretations still rely on an intuitive human lens informed by cultural contexts. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Instead, the court fight raises a question of statutory interpretation and whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had the authority to outlaw bump stocks. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 The Office of Language Access would be a centralized resource for interpretation and translation services, according to a presentation in February. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interpretation.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpretation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interpretation

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretative adjective
interpretatively adverb

Medical Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: 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
interpret transitive verb
interpretive adjective

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretative adjective
interpretive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

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