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

Thomas' interpretation and feelings toward the 150-year-old law have been conveyed numerous times in past Court decisions. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Church’s presented great new interpretations of their signature kiltie, Shanghai monk-strap shoe. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 June 2025

Analyzing the president’s motivations became the continent’s favorite parlor game, because the appropriate response to him would depend on which interpretation one favored. —Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025

But our historical depictions of witches and interpretations of the pagan beliefs are both steeped in arts and culture. —Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpretation

• counter-interpretation

Rhymes for interpretation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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