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interpret
/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
explain or understand the meaning of something
The lawyer had to interpret the complex legal document for the client.
The lawyer explained the meaning of the difficult legal document to the client.
general
to explain or understand the meaning of something, often based on analysis or context
She interpreted the poem in her own unique way.
She gave her own understanding of the poem's meaning.
The translator interpreted the speech from French to English.
The translator conveyed the meaning of the French speech in English.
Can be used for both understanding and explaining something.
Collocations
interpret a dreamanalyze and explain the meaning of a dreaminterpret a lawexplain the legal meaning or implications of a lawinterpret a roleperform or act in a role in a specific way
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'interpret' often depends on the context. For example, interpreting a law is different from interpreting a poem.
Gold Rule
Transitive and Intransitive Use
'Interpret' can be used both with and without an object. For example, 'She interpreted the poem' (transitive) and 'The poem can be interpreted in many ways' (intransitive).
Word Origin
From Latin 'interpretari', meaning 'to explain, expound, translate'.
Usage Notes
Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object).
Word Breakdown
inter-
between, among
prefix-pret
to grasp, seize
root-er
one who
suffixEnglish Dictionary