interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

-pət

interpreted; interpreting; interprets

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 

-pə-tə-

noun

interpretable

in-ˈtər-prə-tə-bəl 

-pə-tə-

adjective

Synonyms

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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

In addition to the artistic capsule, the brand is expanding its world of joyful fashions by tapping eight different global partners to interpret Jacobs’ fall 2025 lineup through their own limited-edition products. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

Nosaka’s use of these terms could be interpreted as emphasizing the futility of Seita’s death, and possibly ​justifying—or at least ​explaining—his own behavior. —Ginny Tapley Takemori september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

In the ruling, Southwick emphasized that while presidents enjoy wide discretion under the AEA, the courts retain authority to interpret the statute’s key terms and decide whether the factual findings fit within them. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

Our job is still to listen, interpret, imagine, and inspire. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for interpret

• misinterpret
• reinterpret

Kids Definition

interpret

verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

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 

adjective

Legal Definition

interpret

transitive verb

in·​ter·​pret in-ˈtər-prət 

: 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