Definition

1. Noun:
   • An explanation or understanding of something that is not immediately obvious: The act or result of explaining the meaning of something, especially when there are multiple possible meanings.
   • A particular way of performing, representing, or explaining something: A specific artistic, musical, or dramatic rendering of a work, or a particular understanding of facts or events.

Usage and Examples

• General Explanation:
  • The data is open to various interpretations. (The data can be understood in several different ways.)
  • His interpretation of the contract differed from mine. (His understanding of the contract's meaning was different from my own.)
• Artistic Performance:
  • The pianist's interpretation of the sonata was deeply emotional. (The pianist's particular way of performing and expressing the sonata was full of emotion.)
  • Her interpretation of the character made the play feel new. (Her specific acting choices for the role refreshed the play.)
• Analysis:
  • The scientist offered a new interpretation of the experimental results. (The scientist proposed a new explanation for what the results mean.)

Advanced Usage

• "A matter of interpretation": Something that can be understood in different ways; not definitive.
  • Whether the law applies here is a matter of interpretation.
• "To put an interpretation on something": To explain or understand something in a specific way.
  • You shouldn't put such a negative interpretation on her comments.

Variants and Related Words

• Interpret (verb): To explain the meaning of something; to understand something in a particular way; to translate orally.
  • How do you interpret these ancient symbols?
• Interpreter (noun): A person who interprets, especially one who translates speech orally.
  • The conference provided interpreters for the delegates.
• Interpretive / Interpretative (adjective): Relating to or providing an interpretation.
  • The museum offers interpretive tours.

Synonyms

• Explanation: A statement that makes something clear.
• Rendition: A particular performance or version, especially of a dramatic or musical work.
• Understanding: A mental grasp of the meaning or significance.
• Explication: A detailed explanation of the meaning of a text.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Broad/narrow interpretation: Refers to how widely or strictly the meaning of a law, text, or statement is understood.
  • The court took a broad interpretation of the constitutional right.
• Against all interpretation: So unclear or contradictory that it cannot be reasonably understood.
  • His actions were against all interpretation. (This is a less common, literary usage.)

Noun

1. an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious
   • the edict was subject to many interpretations
   • he annoyed us with his interpreting of parables
   • often imitations are extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's intended meaning
2. an explanation that results from interpreting something
   • the report included his interpretation of the forensic evidence
3. the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
   • her rendition of Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving
4. a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something