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
in·ter·pre·tive
ən‧ˈtərp(r)ət|iv
-tə̄p-,
-təip-,
-)ət|
interpretively
adverb
|ə̇vlē,
-li
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
Noun
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
Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
The firm’s approach continues to center on client engagement, while also investing in the development of its attorneys and taking on cases that align with its interpretation of advocacy and public accountability.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Noun
The 24th District is also one of the few remaining Black majority districts in the South after Republican state legislatures have aggressively pursued new voting maps after the Supreme Court altered its interpretation of the federal Voting Rights Act.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
The firm’s approach continues to center on client engagement, while also investing in the development of its attorneys and taking on cases that align with its interpretation of advocacy and public accountability.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 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 10 Jun. 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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