interpret
/ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪt/ verb B2- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance.
He/she/it interprets · Past interpreted · Past participle interpreted · -ing form interpreting
Verb forms
- Base form
- interpret
- He/she/it
- interprets
- Past
- interpreted
- Past participle
- interpreted
- -ing form
- interpreting
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
Signor Pastrini interpreted the question and answer, and the horses galloped off.
The boy congratulated himself on his good looks; the girl grew angry, and could not bear the self-praises of her Brother, interpreting all he said (and how could she do otherwise?) into reflection on herself.
“One’s ideas must be as broad as Nature if they are to interpret Nature,” he answered.
Rachel was not often sick and had a well-defined contempt for people who were; but grippe, she asserted, was like no other illness on earth and could only be interpreted as one of the special visitations of Providence.
Other matches
Learn interpret in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.