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

• clarification
• construction
• elucidation
• exegesis
• explanation
• explication
• exposition
• illumination
• illustration
• road map

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 opening statements offered dueling interpretations of a case that has transfixed much of the political and legal worlds. —Ben Protess, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2024

Each of the past three productions featured very different directorial interpretations. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024

Perhaps most contentious, the new rules also officially broaden the interpretation of Title IX to cover pregnant, gay and transgender students. —Tovia Smith, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024

As the dean, Chemerinsky should always default to the most capacious possible interpretation of free speech. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024

Both the traditional methods and new digital technologies have their merits, but as far as which one is better is up for interpretation. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024

An alternative interpretation of the math goes as follows. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 14 Apr. 2024

After boughs from Birnam Wood descend on Dunsinane, Macbeth is felled as much by an error in interpretation as by his rival’s sword. —Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024

What, exactly, the Comstock Act could do is a matter of interpretation, as well as the Department of Justice's discretion. —Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpretation

• counter-interpretation

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