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

interpretational

in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-pə-

adjective

interpretative

in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv 

also -prə-tə-tiv

adjective

interpretatively adverb

interpretive

in-ˈtər-prə-tiv 

-pə-

adjective

interpretively adverb

Synonyms of interpretation

• explanation
• illustration
• translation
• analysis

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

The game’s laws are vague and open to interpretation, making such inconsistency across the planet inevitable. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026

In Nolan and Hathaway’s interpretation, Penelope is a more calculating power player, keeping at bay the wolfish suitors who show up hoping to take Odysseus’ place and working the angles to preserve her son’s chance of assuming the throne. — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026

Charlize Theron, portraying the immortal nymph Calypso, offered perhaps the most understated interpretation of method dressing. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Odysseus has been written about so much, and everybody has their interpretation. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpretation

• counter-interpretation

Rhymes for interpretation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids 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

interpretative

-ˈtər-prə-ˌtāt-iv 

adjective

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

interpret

in-ˈtər-prət, -pət 

transitive verb

interpretive

-prət-iv, -pət- 

adjective

or interpretative

-prə-ˌtāt-iv  -prət-ət-iv 

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

: the act or result of interpreting compare construction

interpretative

in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv, -tə-tiv 

adjective

interpretive

in-ˈtər-prə-tiv 

adjective