interpret

[ in-tur-prit ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate:

   to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable.

2. to construe or understand in a particular way:

   to interpret a reply as favorable.

3. to bring out the meaning of (a dramatic work, music, etc.) by performance or execution.
4. to perform or render (a song, role in a play, etc.) according to one's own understanding or sensitivity:

   The actor interpreted Lear as a weak, pitiful old man.

5. to translate orally.
6. Computers. interpreter ( def 3 ).
   1. to use an interpreter to transform (a program written in a high-level language) into a sequence of machine actions, one statement at a time, executing each statement immediately before going on to transform the next one.
   2. to read (the patterns of holes in punched cards) with an interpreter, printing the interpreted data on the same cards so that they can be read more conveniently by people.

verb (used without object)

1. to translate what is said in a foreign language.
2. to explain something; give an explanation.

interpret

/ ɪnˈtɜːprɪt /

verb

1. tr to clarify or explain the meaning of; elucidate
2. tr to construe the significance or intention of

   to interpret a smile as an invitation

3. tr to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc) in performance
4. intr to act as an interpreter; translate orally

Derived Forms

• inˌterpretaˈbility, noun
• inˈterpretably, adverb
• inˈterpretable, adjective

Other Words From

• in·terpret·a·ble adjective
• in·terpret·a·bili·ty in·terpret·a·ble·ness noun
• in·terpret·a·bly adverb
• nonin·terpret·a·bili·ty noun
• nonin·terpret·a·ble adjective
• prein·terpret verb (used with object)
• rein·terpret verb
• self-in·terpret·ed adjective
• self-in·terpret·ing adjective
• unin·terpret·a·ble adjective
• unin·terpret·ed adjective
• well-in·terpret·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpret¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English interpreten, from Latin interpretārī, derivative of interpret-, stem of interpres “explainer”

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpret¹

C14: from Latin interpretārī, from interpres negotiator, one who explains, from inter- + -pres, probably related to pretium price

Example Sentences

He also noted a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Chevron Doctrine, which allowed federal agencies to interpret the laws they administer.

From Los Angeles Times

Now it’s up to the lower courts to interpret ambiguous laws.

From Los Angeles Times

He has said he would instruct federal agencies to interpret the amendment long-held to grant citizenship to any person born on U.S. soil to exclude "the future children of illegal aliens."

From Salon

A show about the law and the nine Supreme Court justices who interpret it for the rest of America.

From Slate

Supreme Court restricted the executive branch’s ability to interpret congressional laws, limiting the scope of potential Trump actions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clarify
• construe
• decipher
• depict
• describe
• enact
• explain
• illustrate
• portray
• read
• solve
• translate
• understand
• view