interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-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 adjective
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
 also  -prə-tə-tiv
adjective
interpretatively adverb
interpretive adjective
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 family’s interpretation of this behavior, Kamensky argues, would have been subject to a reigning pop-psychoanalytical atmosphere not well equipped to help any of them. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Felecia Wellington Radel So much of art is up to interpretation. USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 Now, any outdoor or designer brand worth its salt has some sort of take or interpretation on a boonie hat, but which is the best version for you? William Goodman, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 Our interpretation of James’ work also reflects this young generation, whose tastes and references have changed so dramatically from the original film. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 14 Mar. 2024 When asked if an interpretation was his intention, Everett almost always says yes. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 14 Mar. 2024 Today, Stewart stepped out in New York City wearing her interpretation of the pantless trend. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 Oftentimes, the purpose of some kinds of jewelry is open to interpretation. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Within the exhibit space, the visitor experience offers wheelchairs and sensory kits (including fidgets and noise-canceling headphones) for checkout, large-print museum maps, assisted listening devices, ASL tours and program interpretation. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interpretation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpretation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interpretation

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretative adjective
interpretatively adverb

Medical Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: 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 transitive verb
interpretive adjective

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretative adjective
interpretive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

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