interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət 
-pət
interpreted; interpreting; interprets
1
: to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms
interpret dreams
needed help interpreting the results
2
: to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : construe
interpret a contract
3
: to represent by means of art : bring to realization by performance or direction
interprets a role
: to act as an interpreter between speakers of different languages
Synonyms
Examples of interpret in a Sentence
We need someone to interpret these results for us.
How should we interpret the law?
I interpreted his behavior to mean that he disliked me.
Every actor interprets the role of Hamlet a little differently.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chan shares that the reactions were a mixed bag—some millennials felt slighted, interpreting the playful tone as a critique of their generation, while others related and shared their own experiences in a lighthearted manner.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Organizations need mechanisms in place to synthesize, visualize and interpret relevant and timely insights.
—Swapna Sathyan, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Prosecutors took liberties in interpreting defendants’ literary work to imply a criminality bleeding into every aspect of their lives.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Bats swooped near the fire, interpreted to be the spirits themselves.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpret 
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Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Organizations need mechanisms in place to synthesize, visualize and interpret relevant and timely insights.
—Swapna Sathyan, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Prosecutors took liberties in interpreting defendants’ literary work to imply a criminality bleeding into every aspect of their lives.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Bats swooped near the fire, interpreted to be the spirits themselves.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for interpret
Dictionary Entries Near interpret
Cite this Entry
“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpret. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
1
: to explain the meaning of
interpret a dream
2
: to understand according to one's own belief or judgment
interpret an act as unfriendly
3
: to bring out the meaning of by performing
an actor interprets a role
4
: to translate for speakers of different languages
Legal Definition
interpret
transitive verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent
they must interpret the provisions of the Constitution—L. H. Tribe
L. H. TribeLove words? Need even more definitions?
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