reinterpret

1 of 2

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət 

-pət

reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again

specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to

reinterpretation

ˌrē-ən-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

-pə-

noun

reinterpretation

2 of 2

noun

re·​interpretation "+ 

: the action of reinterpreting or the state of being reinterpreted

reinterpretation of borrowed behavior patterns

—Ralph Linton

the scholarly revaluation and reinterpretation of form

—Yale Review

Examples of reinterpret in a Sentence

Verb

New information may force us to reinterpret the evidence.

The director wants to reinterpret the old play for a modern audience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For New Wave, Ropion and McCurtin looked to one of perfumery’s most enduring structures—the amber accord—and considered how to reinterpret it for today. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Antique display cases evoke the atmosphere of Mario Buccellati’s original workshops, reinterpreted with a modern touch. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

New patterns, colors and fabric combinations give brands room to reinterpret the jacket without touching its recognizable shape. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

Two church members reinterpreted the Gospel story of Jesus walking on water as a sketch involving a modern conversation between Jesus and Peter. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

re- + interpretation

First Known Use

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reinterpret

• interpret
• misinterpret

Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət 

: to interpret again

especially : to give a new or different interpretation to

reinterpretation

-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

noun