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
Functional and technology-driven apparel brands will appear alongside labels exploring contemporary interpretations of Chinese cultural aesthetics, illustrating how domestic brands are carving out specialized categories rather than competing for the same consumer.
—
Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
In other words, don't automatically assume that rates will be the same from lender to lender, as there is plenty of room for interpretation in today's economy.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
His natural curiosity and deep love for the art inform his studies; each performance is informed by careful examination of several recordings and intentional questions about interpretation.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Featuring a blend of historic pieces with contemporary works by local artists, the exhibition highlights wide-ranging interpretations of form, geometry and place.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
In other words, don't automatically assume that rates will be the same from lender to lender, as there is plenty of room for interpretation in today's economy.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
His natural curiosity and deep love for the art inform his studies; each performance is informed by careful examination of several recordings and intentional questions about interpretation.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Featuring a blend of historic pieces with contemporary works by local artists, the exhibition highlights wide-ranging interpretations of form, geometry and place.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 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 21 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
