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
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
There needs to be a broader interpretation of Terminator and the idea of a time war and super intelligence.
—
Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025
The editing kind of favors that interpretation.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2025
Earlier interpretations of Cassini measurements pointed to a massive subsurface ocean of liquid water, long considered one of Titan’s most promising features for potential life.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
Many of this season’s debut designers took to the style, with Jil Sander, Loewe, and Dior all offering their own interpretations on the polished shoe.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025
The editing kind of favors that interpretation.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2025
Earlier interpretations of Cassini measurements pointed to a massive subsurface ocean of liquid water, long considered one of Titan’s most promising features for potential life.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
Many of this season’s debut designers took to the style, with Jil Sander, Loewe, and Dior all offering their own interpretations on the polished shoe.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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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