interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
Joann Fletcher, an Egyptologist and professor in the department of archaeology at the UK’s University of York, called it a fascinating piece of detective work that demonstrates how the story of Egypt’s ancient past is still unfolding with new discoveries and interpretation.
—
Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
His interpretations of the classics only occasionally relaxed from a tense punchiness.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Its myriad artistic interpretations are explored in Dorian Lynskey’s The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024
In a Baptist tradition that prizes local church autonomy, critics say the convention shouldn't enshrine a constitutional rule based on one interpretation of its non-binding doctrinal statement.
—CBS News, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpretation 
Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
His interpretations of the classics only occasionally relaxed from a tense punchiness.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Its myriad artistic interpretations are explored in Dorian Lynskey’s The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024
In a Baptist tradition that prizes local church autonomy, critics say the convention shouldn't enshrine a constitutional rule based on one interpretation of its non-binding doctrinal statement.
—CBS News, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpretation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interpretation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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