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
The Western look continues to have a stronghold on brands as well as its more refined interpretations.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
But to read the play, from 1890, in advance is to marvel at the combination of fidelity and freedom, of interpretation and imagination, that Nia DaCosta, the film’s writer and director, brings to bear.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
TikTok users flooded the comments section with laughter and playful interpretations of the dog’s behavior, charmed by the pet’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the task at hand.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
What surprised Chong was how Wei’s interpretation added unexpected depth to the character.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
But to read the play, from 1890, in advance is to marvel at the combination of fidelity and freedom, of interpretation and imagination, that Nia DaCosta, the film’s writer and director, brings to bear.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
TikTok users flooded the comments section with laughter and playful interpretations of the dog’s behavior, charmed by the pet’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the task at hand.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
What surprised Chong was how Wei’s interpretation added unexpected depth to the character.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 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 Oct. 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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