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
When user requests are ambiguous, rather than simply assuming one specific interpretation, systems now often ask a clarifying question to reduce the risk of creating frustration or making mistakes.
—
Frédéric Dalsace, Harvard Business Review, 2 Mar. 2026
Before scientific explanations, that kind of radical change demanded interpretation.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Presented on just 15 models, the show featured 15 outfits styled in 60 different ways through the concept of layering, with a layer being removed each time a model walked, revealing a new interpretation of the same look.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Our city leaders must ensure that development remains impartial and grounded in the law, rather than being determined by subjective interpretations behind closed doors.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Frédéric Dalsace, Harvard Business Review, 2 Mar. 2026
Before scientific explanations, that kind of radical change demanded interpretation.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Presented on just 15 models, the show featured 15 outfits styled in 60 different ways through the concept of layering, with a layer being removed each time a model walked, revealing a new interpretation of the same look.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Our city leaders must ensure that development remains impartial and grounded in the law, rather than being determined by subjective interpretations behind closed doors.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 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 4 Mar. 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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