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
There are observational reasons and theoretical reasons both to disfavor that interpretation, and this isn’t seriously entertained any longer as a plausible interpretation of the expanding Universe or the Big Bang.
—
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 26 Sep. 2025
For them, a highly permissive interpretation of free-speech law gives cover to racists, and a permissive interpretation of the principle of academic freedom allows for the perpetuation of exclusionary scholarship.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The artists were challenged to create their own interpretations of time.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
While Devo and their energy domes have their own lazy interpretations to deal with, Schneider wants to make one thing perfectly clear about his legacy.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 26 Sep. 2025
For them, a highly permissive interpretation of free-speech law gives cover to racists, and a permissive interpretation of the principle of academic freedom allows for the perpetuation of exclusionary scholarship.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The artists were challenged to create their own interpretations of time.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
While Devo and their energy domes have their own lazy interpretations to deal with, Schneider wants to make one thing perfectly clear about his legacy.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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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