Definition

1. Verb:
   • To explain the meaning of something: To make something clear or understandable by providing an explanation or analysis.
   • To understand something in a particular way: To construe or assign a specific meaning to actions, words, or events.
   • To translate spoken language orally: To express the meaning of speech in another language during a conversation or event.
   • To perform or present a creative work in a way that expresses one's understanding of it: To perform a piece of music, a role in a play, etc., in a particular style that conveys a personal artistic vision.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The data is complex; can you interpret the results for me?
  • I interpret her silence as a sign of disapproval.
  • The guide will interpret for the foreign delegates during the tour.
  • The musician interpreted the sonata with great passion.

Advanced Usage

• "to interpret something as something": to understand or explain something in a specific way.
  • The court interpreted the law as prohibiting such actions.
• "to interpret for someone": to act as an oral translator for a person.
  • She regularly interprets for patients at the clinic.

Variants and Related Words

• Interpretation (n): The act or result of explaining, understanding, or performing something.
  • His interpretation of the poem was unique.
• Interpreter (n): A person who translates speech orally.
  • The interpreter facilitated the meeting between the diplomats.
• Interpretive / Interpretative (adj): Relating to or providing an interpretation.
  • The museum offers an interpretive display about local history.

Synonyms

• Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand.
• Construe: To interpret the meaning of words or actions in a particular way.
• Translate: To express the sense of words or text in another language.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(The verb "interpret" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed through the verb itself with prepositions like "as" or "for," as shown in the Advanced Usage section.)

Related Idioms

• "Read between the lines": To look for or interpret a hidden or implied meaning.
  • You have to read between the lines to interpret his true intentions.

Verb

1. make sense of a language
   • She understands French
   • Can you read Greek?
2. restate (words) from one language into another language
   • I have to translate when my in-laws from Austria visit the U.S.
   • Can you interpret the speech of the visiting dignitaries?
   • She rendered the French poem into English
   • He translates for the U.N.
3. create an image or likeness of
   • The painter represented his wife as a young girl
4. give an interpretation or rendition of
   • The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully
5. give an interpretation or explanation to
6. make sense of; assign a meaning to
   • What message do you see in this letter?
   • How do you interpret his behavior?