interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
-pət
interpreted; interpreting; interprets
Synonyms 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
interpretability
in-ˌtər-prə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce interpret (audio)
-pə-tə-
noun
interpretable
in-ˈtər-prə-tə-bəl How to pronounce interpret (audio)
-pə-tə-
adjective

Synonyms of interpret

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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

Examples of interpret in a Sentence

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Criticism may be interpreted as rejection or evidence that someone does not value them. — Susan Curtin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 In many other countries, there is more formality than Americans are used to, and violating this is interpreted as disrespect. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 Since then, the company has raised a $1 million angel round of investment, and the browser plug-in has 25,000 monthly active users with more than 350 other hours of content interpreted into ASL, BSL, and ISL. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 July 2026 Despite advances in artificial intelligence, robots still struggle to interpret human thoughts and translate them into reliable actions. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpret

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpret was in the 14th century

Rhymes for interpret

See All Rhymes for interpret

Browse Nearby Words

interpr
interpret
interpretability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpret. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interpret

verb
in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
1
: to explain the meaning of
interpret a dream
2
: to understand according to one's own belief or judgment
interpret an act as unfriendly
3
: to bring out the meaning of by performing
an actor interprets a role
4
: to translate for speakers of different languages
interpretable
-prət-ə-bəl How to pronounce interpret (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

interpret

transitive verb
in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent
they must interpret the provisions of the Constitution—L. H. Tribe

More from Merriam-Webster on interpret

Nglish: Translation of interpret for Spanish Speakers

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