interpret — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To decode the meaning of a topic and then act, whether to continue researching the topic, follow through, act in opposition, or further the understanding through sharing an interpretation.

   Synonyms

   takeunderstandconstrue

2. To explain or tell the meaning of; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms. applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.

   Examples

   to interpret an Indian speech

   The Holy Bible, Matthew i. 23. Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

   More examples (2)

   The Holy Bible, Genesis xli. 8. And Pharaoh told them his dreams; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

   The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives.[…]who, if anyone, is policing their use[?] Such concerns were sharpened further by the continuing revelations about how the US National Security Agency (NSA) has been using algorithms to help it interpret the colossal amounts of data it has collected from its covert dragnet of international telecommunications.

3. To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation.

   Examples

   The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill.

   The way the musician interpreted a sonata was quite special.

   More examples (1)

   an artist interprets a landscape

4. To convey what a user of one language is saying or signing, in real time or shortly after that person has finished communicating, to a user of a different language.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   He interpreted at the meeting between the Chinese and French associates.

5. To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance.

   Usage

   • Transitive

Verb

1. make sense of; assign a meaning to

   Synonyms

   construesee

   Broader terms

   understand

   Examples

   What message do you see in this letter?

   How do you interpret his behavior?

2. give an interpretation or explanation to

   Synonyms

   rede

   Broader terms

   explainexplicate

3. give an interpretation or rendition of

   Synonyms

   render

   Broader terms

   performexecutedo

   Examples

   The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully

4. create an image or likeness of

   Synonyms

   represent

   Broader terms

   re-createrecreate

   Examples

   The painter represented his wife as a young girl

5. restate (words) from one language into another language

   Synonyms

   translaterender

   Broader terms

   repeatreiterateingeminateiteraterestateretell

   Examples

   I have to translate when my in-laws from Austria visit the U.S.

   Can you interpret the speech of the visiting dignitaries?

   More examples (2)

   She rendered the French poem into English

   He translates for the U.N.

6. make sense of a language

   Synonyms

   understandreadtranslate

   Broader terms

   understand

   Examples

   She understands French

   Can you read Greek?