interpreter
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪ.tə//
- United States//ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪ.tɚ//
- United States/[ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪ.ɾɚ]/
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
noun
- 1
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
... an interpreter of dreams ...
[…] the Priest or Medicine-man […] early appeared on the plantation and found his function as the healer of the sick, the interpreter of the Unknown […] and the one who rudely but picturesquely expressed the longing, disappointment, and resentment of a stolen and oppressed people.
- 2
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another A person or thing that translates speech or signing, as opposed to texts.
A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements.
... when you ſallie vpon him, ſpeake what terrible Language you will: though you vnderſtand it not your ſelues, no matter: for we must not ſeeme to vnderſtand him, vnleſſe ſome one among vs, whom wee must produce for an Interpreter.
I had many Acquaintance among Persons of the best Fashion, and being always attended by my Interpreter, the Conversation we had was not disagreeable.
I can understand German as well as the maniac that invented it, but I talk it best through an interpreter.
- 3
obsoleteA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of translator, one who translates various forms of texts.
- 4
obsoleteA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of commentator, one who explains laws or scripture.
... the holy fathers interpretours of holy scrypture ...
Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me.
- 5
obsoleteA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine.
- 6
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people.
At the historic site, there are a number of interpreters who demonstrate ancient crafts.
A severe interpreter might say that the mere facts of their relation to each other, the melancholy position of this woman who depended on his will, made a standing banquet for his delight in dominating.
- 7
figurativeA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another A thing that, figuratively speaking, performs a similar role explaining, revealing, or clarifying.
Leo. ... theſe thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand ſlackneſſe.
Flowers are the interpreters of love in India, painting in the most vivid but in the softest colours speaking in the sweetest sighs: while each blossom that fades is a mournful remembrancer either of blighted hopes or departed pleasures.
... the modern drama—the strongest and most far-reaching interpreter of our deep-felt dissatisfaction ...
- 8
obsoleteA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of synonymy, the use of one term to explain another.
- 9
obsoleteA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another Synonym of dictionary or glossary, a book that explains uncommon terms.
- 10
historicalA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another A machine that reads the pattern of holes on a punch card and prints its meaning along the top of the card.
- 11
historicalA person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another An analyst of reconnaissance photographs.
- 12
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another A program that converts commands into machine language in real time rather than compiling it in advance.
Programs written in BASIC are usually run through an interpreter rather than a compiler.
- 13
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another A performer who presents a piece of art in a distinct style, particularly so as to make older works relevant to their audience.
... one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's piano works ...
Etymology
From Middle English interpreter, interpretour, etc., from Old French interpreteur, interpreteeur, etc., from Late Latin interpretātōr, from classical Latin interpretātus (“explained, translated”) + -or (“-er: forming agent nouns”), from interpretārī (“to explain, to translate”), from interpres (“go-between, translator”) + -ārī (“to be ~ed”), q.v. In reference to divine emissaries, a calque of Mercury's Latin epithet interpres divum (“go-between of the gods”). In reference to the rhetorical device, a calque of Latin interpretatio. Equivalent to interpret + -er. Displaced native Old English wealhstod.
Forms
- plural
- interpreters
interpreter · A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
interrogate · To question or quiz, especially in a thorough or aggressive…interrogating · An instance of interrogating.interrogation · The act of interrogating or questioning; an examination by…