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
South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.
—
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
But the interpretation also was probably too liberal at the start of the season that got him to the foul line over the initial months of the season.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
Koren’s interpretation of Tariq Jamieson’s death has essentially served as a legal defense in at least two other cases that Juurlink believes most likely involved direct administration.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
How bias can affect a viewer Cognitive biases can also affect our interpretations of a video.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
But the interpretation also was probably too liberal at the start of the season that got him to the foul line over the initial months of the season.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
Koren’s interpretation of Tariq Jamieson’s death has essentially served as a legal defense in at least two other cases that Juurlink believes most likely involved direct administration.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
How bias can affect a viewer Cognitive biases can also affect our interpretations of a video.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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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