Interpreter
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪtər/
Definitions
3 meaningsA person who translates one language or form of communication into another, especially orally or using sign language.
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪtər/
A person who translates spoken or signed language.
The interpreter skillfully translated the witness's testimony.
💡 Simply: Think of an interpreter as a language bridge. They help people who speak different languages understand each other, like when you talk to a friend who speaks another language.
👶 For kids: Someone who helps people who speak different languages talk to each other. Like if your friend speaks Spanish, and you don't, an interpreter helps you talk!
More Examples
The conference provided interpreters for several languages.
The interpreter used sign language to communicate with the deaf audience members.
How It's Used
"The lawyer requested an interpreter to assist the defendant who did not speak English."
"A medical interpreter facilitated communication between the doctor and the patient."
"Simultaneous interpreters provided real-time translation during the international conference."
A program that directly executes instructions written in a programming or scripting language, without first compiling them into machine code.
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪtər/
A program that executes instructions written in a programming language.
The Python interpreter reads and runs the Python code.
💡 Simply: Imagine a computer program that reads your code and does what it says, step by step, like following a recipe instruction by instruction.
👶 For kids: A special computer program that reads computer code and makes the computer do things.
More Examples
Unlike compilers, interpreters execute code line by line.
An interpreter is necessary to run the program, allowing developers to see results quickly.
How It's Used
"Python relies on an interpreter to execute its code line by line."
"The interpreter processes each statement in the program sequentially."
A person who explains or presents something in a way that makes it understandable.
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪtər/
A person who explains something.
The museum docent acted as an interpreter of the exhibit, elucidating its significance to the visitors.
💡 Simply: If a museum guide or a history teacher helps you understand a painting or what happened in the past, they are an interpreter.
👶 For kids: Someone who helps you understand something, like explaining a drawing or a story.
More Examples
The history professor serves as an interpreter of the past events.
How It's Used
" Historians function as interpreters of past events."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Old French *interprete* and Latin *interpres* meaning 'agent, translator, broker'. It evolved to encompass those who explain or elucidate something.
The word 'interpreter' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to translators of spoken language.
Memory tip
Imagine an 'inter' bridge between different languages; the interpreter builds this bridge.
Word Origin
"agent, translator, broker"