Interpret
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions).
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
To explain the meaning of something.
The students were asked to interpret the poem.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a detective! When you interpret something, you're figuring out what it means, like clues in a mystery or a secret code. You look at the pieces and put them together to understand the bigger picture.
👶 For kids: To explain what something means.
More Examples
The scientist interpreted the data to reach a conclusion.
I found it difficult to interpret his ambiguous statements.
The actor interpreted the role of Hamlet with great passion.
How It's Used
"The archaeologist interpreted the hieroglyphs."
"The judge interpreted the law in favor of the defendant."
To translate orally from one language into another.
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
To translate from one language to another.
The interpreter quickly interpreted the politician's speech.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a super cool friend who speaks two languages! When you interpret, you're helping people who speak different languages talk to each other. You listen in one language and then say what they said in another language.
👶 For kids: To say something in a different language.
More Examples
She had to interpret the instructions for the foreign visitors.
The conference required professional interpreters.
He was asked to interpret the message to the ambassador.
How It's Used
"A translator interpreted the speech from French to English."
"Interpreters were needed at the summit to facilitate communication."
To perform (a role, piece of music, etc.) in a way that conveys one's understanding of it.
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
To perform something in a particular way, to express one's own understanding of a piece of art.
The dancer interpreted the music through graceful movements.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're an actor, musician or dancer. When you interpret, you're adding your own feelings and ideas to a story, song, or dance. It's like giving it your own special twist!
👶 For kids: To perform something in your own special way.
More Examples
The actor interpreted the role with a unique perspective.
He interpreted the poem in a very personal way.
The orchestra beautifully interpreted the composer's intentions.
How It's Used
"The pianist interpreted the sonata with great feeling."
"The actress interpreted the role of the queen."
Idioms & expressions
interpret something in a certain way
To understand or explain something based on one's own perspective.
"She interpreted his silence as a sign of disapproval."
From Latin *interpretari* 'to explain, translate', from *interpres* 'agent, translator'.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the explanation of something.
Memory tip
Imagine an 'inter' (between) 'pret' (pretend) to explain the meaning between things.
Word Origin
"agent, translator"