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
Shot in France and partially underwritten by a French production company, Jude’s interpretation transposes the maid’s experience to that of a Romanian immigrant.
—
Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Think about more positive interpretations before presuming someone is insulting you.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
New colors include Atollo Blue, a fresh interpretation of the brightest shade of indigo with a subtle red cast; Sencha Blue, a vintage hue with a greenish undertone; and Blue Zen, a dark shade that toes the line between heritage and craftsmanship and refined and premium.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
These treats, much like today, offered light-hearted entertainment, giving customers a chance to socialize and share interpretations.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Think about more positive interpretations before presuming someone is insulting you.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
New colors include Atollo Blue, a fresh interpretation of the brightest shade of indigo with a subtle red cast; Sencha Blue, a vintage hue with a greenish undertone; and Blue Zen, a dark shade that toes the line between heritage and craftsmanship and refined and premium.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
These treats, much like today, offered light-hearted entertainment, giving customers a chance to socialize and share interpretations.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 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 23 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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