interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-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
interpretational adjective
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
 also  -prə-tə-tiv
adjective
interpretatively adverb
interpretive adjective
interpretively adverb

Example Sentences

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 The 1935 court interpretation could encourage people who would like Biden to use a 14th Amendment argument. Politifact Staff Writer, Dallas News, 16 May 2023 While the series is based on real royals, the interpretation of Queen Charlotte and King George III’s love story and Georgian-era London is not entirely historically accurate. Leah Campano, Seventeen, 13 May 2023 The system has been repeatedly modified, changing what can be considered clean — and allowing for differing interpretations of progress. Sabrina Shankman, BostonGlobe.com, 13 May 2023 The need for, and engagement in, specific hygienic behaviors differ between cultures and geographies, as do the threats to human health and their interpretation. David Hessekiel, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Regular contributor Simon Lazarus, a veteran lawyer in Washington, frequently exposes the fraudulence of the right’s constitutional interpretations and claims. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 2 May 2023 Her look was a distinctive interpretation of the bridal aesthetic that dominated the carpet this year. Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 May 2023 In that ruling from 1984, the Supreme Court said courts should defer to an agency's reasonable interpretation of statutes when the laws are ambiguous. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 May 2023 Meanwhile, a debate is emerging concerning the proper display and interpretation of these pots. Christopher Benfey, The New York Review of Books, 20 Apr. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near interpretation

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretative adjective
interpretatively adverb

Medical Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: 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
interpret transitive verb
interpretive adjective

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretative adjective
interpretive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!