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

: to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms <interpret dreams> <needed help interpreting the results>

: to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : construe <interpret a contract>

: 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

Origin of INTERPRET

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French interpreter, from Latin interpretari, from interpret-, interpres agent, negotiator, interpreter

First Known Use: 14th century

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>.

INTERPRETED Defined for Kids