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

The program is meant to pass on, preserve, and reinterpret traditional craft techniques. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Each entry is a common phrase that can be reinterpreted as someone speaking conversationally, which agrees with the tone of the clue. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

The brand new program took place over the course of eighteen months, and emphasized preserving and reinterpreting traditional craft techniques. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026

Drawing from Natori’s print archive, the collection reinterprets the brand’s signature motifs through the distinctive color palette and embroidery techniques of Johnny Was. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 26 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