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
In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.
—
Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
As clear-cut as the rules may seem, there have been different interpretations.
—Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Hearing these codas during a highly social event appears to support this interpretation, the authors wrote.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Minnesota officials have pushed back on the administration’s interpretation of Title IX.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
As clear-cut as the rules may seem, there have been different interpretations.
—Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Hearing these codas during a highly social event appears to support this interpretation, the authors wrote.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Minnesota officials have pushed back on the administration’s interpretation of Title IX.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 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 3 Apr. 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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