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
Highest 2 Lowest — which is a modern-day interpretation of iconic director Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low — is opening in 300 theaters in what appears to be more of a run to qualify for awards season.
—
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
These new interpretations trim the excess, leaving only the scores intact.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025
For example, the plan prioritizes a narrow interpretation of national security without addressing critical ethical needs such as the protection of vulnerable populations, children, neurodivergent individuals and minorities — issues that the European Union AI Act addresses.
—Mohammad Hosseini, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
But a recent, quietly issued interpretation from the Department of Consumer Protection threatens to erode that foundation, raising serious questions about whether consumer safety is being compromised.
—Lou Rinaldi, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
These new interpretations trim the excess, leaving only the scores intact.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025
For example, the plan prioritizes a narrow interpretation of national security without addressing critical ethical needs such as the protection of vulnerable populations, children, neurodivergent individuals and minorities — issues that the European Union AI Act addresses.
—Mohammad Hosseini, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
But a recent, quietly issued interpretation from the Department of Consumer Protection threatens to erode that foundation, raising serious questions about whether consumer safety is being compromised.
—Lou Rinaldi, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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