interpret
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.in·ter·pret
verb \in-ˈtər-prət, -pət\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 Examples of INTERPRET
- We need someone to interpret these results for us.
- How should we interpret the law?
- I interpreted his behavior to mean that he disliked me.
- Every actor interprets the role of Hamlet a little differently.
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
See Synonym Discussion at explain
Learn More About INTERPRET
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: interpretament
Previous Word in the Dictionary: interpr
All Words Near: interpret
Previous Word in the Dictionary: interpr
All Words Near: interpret
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up interpret? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
