51Թ

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View synonyms for

interpret

[in-tur-prit]

verb (used with object)

  1. to give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate.

    to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable.

  2. to construe or understand in a particular way.

    to interpret a reply as favorable.

  3. to bring out the meaning of (a dramatic work, music, etc.) by performance or execution.

  4. to perform or render (a song, role in a play, etc.) according to one's own understanding or sensitivity.

    The actor interpreted Lear as a weak, pitiful old man.

  5. to translate orally.

  6. Computers.

    1. to use an interpreter to transform (a program written in a high-level language) into a sequence of machine actions, one statement at a time, executing each statement immediately before going on to transform the next one.

    2. to read (the patterns of holes in punched cards) with an interpreter, printing the interpreted data on the same cards so that they can be read more conveniently by people.



verb (used without object)

  1. to translate what is said in a foreign language.

  2. to explain something; give an explanation.

interpret

/ ɪˈɜːɪ /

verb

  1. (tr) to clarify or explain the meaning of; elucidate

  2. (tr) to construe the significance or intention of

    to interpret a smile as an invitation

  3. (tr) to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc) in performance

  4. (intr) to act as an interpreter; translate orally

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • interpretable adjective
  • interpretability noun
  • interpretableness noun
  • interpretably adverb
  • noninterpretability noun
  • noninterpretable adjective
  • preinterpret verb (used with object)
  • reinterpret verb
  • self-interpreted adjective
  • self-interpreting adjective
  • uninterpretable adjective
  • uninterpreted adjective
  • well-interpreted adjective
  • ˌٱٲˈٲ noun
  • ˈٱٲ adverb
  • ˈٱٲ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of interpret1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English interpreten, from Latin Գٱī, derivative of interpret-, stem of interpres “eԱ”
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of interpret1

C14: from Latin Գٱī, from interpres negotiator, one who explains, from inter- + -pres, probably related to pretium price
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Saunders said interpreting the messages was "a long and complicated process", due to the blend of coded language, Romany slang and Cockney rhyming slang used.

From

He issued what the couple interpreted as a veiled threat: "We know where you are, don't we?"

From

A new "Superior Council of Judiciary", chaired by the president, would interpret "laws and the Constitution" - effectively neutering the Supreme Court.

From

How one is meant to interpret this painting, or the artist's intent, is not clear.

From

King co-signed her saggy sunhat with a description provided to EW that could be interpreted as shade: “It's perfect, as if some beautiful, fashionable Hindenburg suddenly dropped on her head.”

From

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When To Use

What are other ways to sayinterpret?



To interpret is to give or provide the meaning of something, or to construe or understand something in a particular way. What’s the difference between interpret, elucidate, expound, and explain? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

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ˌԳٱˈپDzinterpretation