Interpretive
/ɪnˈtɜːrp.rə.tɪv/
Definitions
Relating to or involving the explanation or understanding of the meaning of something.
/ɪnˈtɜːrp.rə.tɪv/
Relating to or involving the explanation of something.
The museum offered an interpretive exhibit of ancient artifacts.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a book and the author writes something that isn't super clear. An interpretive explanation is when someone helps you figure out what the author *really* meant. It's like someone is giving you their take on the meaning, offering their understanding of the topic.
👶 For kids: When something needs to be explained, like a painting, an interpretive way of looking at it tells you what it means.
More Examples
The lawyer gave an interpretive reading of the contract.
The director took an interpretive approach to the play, adding modern elements.
How It's Used
"The professor's interpretive analysis of the poem was insightful."
"The artist's interpretive dance communicated a complex story."
"The court provided an interpretive ruling on the ambiguous law."
From Late Latin *interpretativus*, from *interpretari* 'to explain, understand' (see interpret).
The word 'interpretive' has been used since the mid-17th century, reflecting the growing emphasis on understanding and explaining texts and phenomena.
Memory tip
Think of an INTERPRETER who EXPLAINS things.