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
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Synonyms
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
One of the last attractions that Walt Disney had a hand in before his death and one of the few remaining shows from the park’s opening in 1971, the animatronic Country Bear Jamboree was always a vague western interpretation of country.
—
Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 17 July 2024
The troupe has typically mounted original works or commedia interpretations of classics.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
Both the deceptively doe-eyed young woman with a steely spirit and the macho muralist of grand ambition are hitching their artistic wagons to modern interpretations of distinctly Mexican tradition and style.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2024
Numerous legal experts have denied that there is any interpretation of these laws that would have given Pence the power to reject the outcome of the election on January 6.
Jacob Rosen contributed to this report.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpretation 
Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 17 July 2024
The troupe has typically mounted original works or commedia interpretations of classics.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
Both the deceptively doe-eyed young woman with a steely spirit and the macho muralist of grand ambition are hitching their artistic wagons to modern interpretations of distinctly Mexican tradition and style.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2024
Numerous legal experts have denied that there is any interpretation of these laws that would have given Pence the power to reject the outcome of the election on January 6.
Jacob Rosen contributed to this report.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpretation
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.
Dictionary Entries Near interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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