interpret Definition
- 1explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions)
- 2understand (an action, mood, or way of behaving) as having a particular meaning or significance
Using interpret: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "interpret" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Can you interpret the instructions for me?
Example
I interpreted his silence as agreement.
Example
The data is difficult to interpret.
Example
She interprets for the deaf community.
interpret Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for interpret
Phrases with interpret
to understand or explain something in a way that is different from how others might understand or explain it
Example
He always interprets the rules in his own way.
to understand or explain something in a way that allows for a wide range of interpretation or flexibility
Example
The judge interpreted the law liberally to allow for more leniency in sentencing.
to understand or explain something exactly as it is written or spoken, without any additional meaning or context
Example
Some people interpret religious texts literally, while others see them as metaphorical.
Origins of interpret
from Latin 'interpretari', meaning 'explain, expound'
Summary: interpret in Brief
To 'interpret' [ɪnˈtəːprɪt] means to explain or understand the meaning of information, words, or actions. It can also mean to understand an action, mood, or way of behaving as having a particular meaning or significance. Examples include 'Can you interpret the instructions for me?' and 'She interprets for the deaf community.' Phrases like 'interpret something in one's own way' and 'interpret something literally' add nuance to the term.
