interpretive

[ in-tur-pri-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to interpret; explanatory.
2. deduced by interpretation.
3. made because of interpretation:

   an interpretive distortion of language.

4. of or relating to those arts that require an intermediary, as a performer, for realization, as in music or theater.
5. offering interpretations, explanations, or guidance, as through lectures, brochures, or films:

   the museum's interpretive center.

Other Words From

• in·terpre·tive·ly adverb
• nonin·terpre·tive adjective
• nonin·terpre·tive·ly adverb
• nonin·terpre·tive·ness noun
• self-in·terpre·tive adjective
• unin·terpre·tive adjective
• unin·terpre·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpretive¹

First recorded in 1670–80; interpret + -ive

Example Sentences

In July, it proposed an interpretive rule that would require these services to disclose their costs and terms more clearly, as required by the federal Truth in Lending Act.

From Los Angeles Times

What constitutes appropriate judicial review, then, must include the variety of adjudication philosophies and interpretive methodologies that state courts use to enforce their state constitutions, even if they’re different from those used by federal courts.

From Slate

Donahue, who directed the terrific revival of “Little Shop of Horrors” at Pasadena Playhouse and the extraordinary West Coast premiere of “The Inheritance” at the Geffen Playhouse, does such an impressive job with this overwhelming play that I hesitate to mention that some of the modern touches come off as superficial, which is to say untied to a larger interpretive vision.

From Los Angeles Times

Interpretive labels seek to shape what people notice in the scene, the connections they make as they move from one diorama to another.

From Los Angeles Times

“The best dancers out there will highlight something that the audience probably isn’t hearing. … It’s totally interpretive and the best dancers are those that are able to capture those moments and also feed the audience exactly what that dancer is feeling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analytical
• informative