interpret

1 of 2

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

interpretability

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​pret·​abil·​i·​ty

-)ə̇tə-, 

-lətē, 

-i

plural -es

: the quality or state of being interpretable

interpretability of signs

Synonyms of interpret

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

Verb

The anti-apartheid liberation song has been interpreted by some as calling for violence against Afrikaners. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

Each robot must independently interpret ball position and goalkeeper movement before committing to a strike, making split-second corrections based on sensor feedback. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Libra could also find Cancer’s perpetual need for reassurance overwhelming, while Cancer interprets Libra’s indecision or diplomacy as evasiveness. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

According to the report, Janaylon's experience reflects broader challenges in how symptoms are interpreted and treated in women, especially in Black women. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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