First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
interpret
verb in·ter·pret \in-ˈtər-prət, -pət\
: 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
Full 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
— in·ter·pret·abil·i·ty \-ˌtər-prə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -pə-tə-\ noun
— in·ter·pret·able \-ˈtər-prə-tə-bəl, -pə-tə-\ adjective
See interpret defined for English-language learners
See interpret defined for kids
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Origin of INTERPRET
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French interpreter, from Latin interpretari, from interpret-, interpres agent, negotiator, interpreter
Related to INTERPRET
- Synonyms
- clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, explain, simplify, spell out, unriddle
- Antonyms
- obscure
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
INTERPRET Defined for Kids
interpret
verb in·ter·pret \in-ˈtər-prət\
in·ter·pret·edin·ter·pret·ing
Definition of INTERPRET for Kids
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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