WordGarden.iointerpretation
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪntˌɜːprɪtˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪnˌtɜrprɪˈteɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
an explanation or understanding of what something means
a performer's or artist's particular way of presenting a work
oral translation between languages
More meaningsFewer meanings
the way a law, contract, or rule is understood and applied
the direct processing or execution of code by an interpreter
Beyond the definition
Interpretation is about understanding and explaining what something means. It can be as simple as a detective putting clues together, a doctor reading test results, or a person deciding what a poem, a law, or a painting is trying to say. It is also used for spoken translation, when someone listens in one language and gives the meaning in another. Because meaning often depends on perspective, two people can look at the same words, event, or work of art and come away with different interpretations.
Interpretation is the act of explaining or making sense of the meaning of something. It goes beyond simply repeating information; it involves understanding, analyzing, and conveying a particular perspective or viewpoint. Think of it as building a bridge between what is said (or shown) and what it actually signifies.
This can take many forms. A language professional may give a spoken version of a speech in another language in real time. A literary critic interprets the themes and symbols in a novel. A doctor interprets medical test results to diagnose an illness. Even everyday conversations involve interpretation, because we are constantly trying to understand what others mean, not just the exact words they say.
Context is essential. The interpretation of a law might be different depending on whether a lawyer or a citizen is reading it. Similarly, the interpretation of art is subjective; what one person finds profound, another may not.
Sometimes, "interpretation" refers to your personal take on events or ideas. Other times, it refers to an official explanation, like a legal interpretation of a contract. While the word itself is a noun, the action is expressed through the verb "interpret," as in: "She interpreted his silence as disapproval." Whether you are decoding a message, analyzing a text, or simply trying to understand the world around you, interpretation is the process of making sense of it all—and giving it meaning.
Examples
- 1
Poetry
Her interpretation of the poem was different from mine.
- 2
Text evidence
The teacher asked students to support their interpretation with examples from the text.
- 3
Possible reading
According to one interpretation, the story is really about grief.
- Phraseaccording to one interpretation
one possible way to understand it
- 4
Data analysis
The results are clear, but their interpretation depends on the questions you ask.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal meaning
The law has led to several different interpretations in court.
- 6
Ambiguous comments
His comments are open to interpretation, so I would not assume he meant to criticize you.
- Phraseopen to interpretation
able to be understood in more than one way
- 7
Modern staging
The director's modern interpretation of the play surprised some people.
- 8
Musical performance
I loved her interpretation of the song, especially the slower ending.
- 9
Language services
The meeting included interpretation into Spanish for visitors.
- Patterninterpretation into + language
spoken translation into that language
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- fact
- literal meaning
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- interpretation of
- legal interpretation
- literal interpretation
- broad interpretation
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- interpretationnoun
Forms
- interpretationspluralnoun