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
Civil rights activists said the law and its broader interpretation to include women and other minority groups has made a difference in public sector jobs, including in agencies like fire departments where women had sometimes been denied access.
—
Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
But Andrade said that Sheeran’s interpretation of the law is questionable at best.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025
The makers of the sequel to the 2016 film, both directed with slick assurance by Gavin O’Connor, might argue with that interpretation.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
These interpretations might have been persuasive in January.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
But Andrade said that Sheeran’s interpretation of the law is questionable at best.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025
The makers of the sequel to the 2016 film, both directed with slick assurance by Gavin O’Connor, might argue with that interpretation.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
These interpretations might have been persuasive in January.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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 1 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share