What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glossing
Example
The glossing of unfamiliar words in the text helped me understand the story better. [glossing: noun]
Example
Can you gloss over this paragraph to make sure I understand it correctly? [gloss: verb]
interpret
Example
The teacher asked us to interpret the poem and explain what we thought it meant. [interpret: verb]
Example
The interpreter helped us communicate with the locals by translating our questions into their language. [interpreter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpret is more commonly used than glossing in everyday language. Interpret is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glossing is less common and often used in specific language learning or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glossing and interpret?
Both glossing and interpreting can be used in formal and informal contexts, but interpreting is more likely to be used in professional or technical settings that require advanced language skills and cultural knowledge.
