interpret
verbattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪt//
- Canada//ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪt//
- Australia//ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪt//
- //ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪt//
- /[ɛnˈtɝ.pɹɛt]/
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.
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.
- 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.
to interpret an Indian speech
The Holy Bible, Matthew i. 23. Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The Holy Bible, Genesis xli. 8. And Pharaoh told them his dreams; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
- 3
To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation.
The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill.
The way the musician interpreted a sonata was quite special.
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.
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.
Etymology
From Middle English interpreten, from Old French enterpreter, (French interpréter), from Latin interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret”), past participle interpretatus, from interpres (“an agent, broker, explainer, interpreter, negotiator”), from inter (“between”) + -pres, probably the root of pretium (“price”); -pres is probably connected with Ancient Greek φράζειν (phrázein, “to point out, show, explain, declare, speak”), from which φραδή (phradḗ, “understanding”), φράσις (phrásis, “speech”); see phrase.
Forms
- past tense
- interpreted
- past participle
- interpreted
- present participle
- interpreting
- third person singular
- interprets
interpret · To decode the meaning of a topic and then act, whether to continue researching the topic, follow through, act in opposition, or further the…
interpretation · An act of interpreting or explaining something unclear; a…interpreted · Executed directly, rather than via a compiled binary…interpreter · A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something…