reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət 

-pət

reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again

specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to

reinterpretation

ˌrē-ən-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

-pə-

noun

Examples of reinterpret in a Sentence

New information may force us to reinterpret the evidence.

The director wants to reinterpret the old play for a modern audience.

Recent Examples on the Web

It has been interpreted and reinterpreted countless times over 2700 years. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The Song of Achilles reinterprets the story of Greece’s mightiest hero, Achilles, and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ lover. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026

What does this tell us about the way successive generations reinterpret the past? — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2026

The Rahimi decision saved Bruen’s originalism by reinterpreting it as a history and tradition principle that could be used to uphold a ban on domestic abusers owning guns. — Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reinterpret

• interpret
• misinterpret

Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət 

: to interpret again

especially : to give a new or different interpretation to

reinterpretation

-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

noun