INTERPRET Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'interpret' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate , explain , explicate , and expound . While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something. // interpreting a work of art

Q: When can 'elucidate' be used instead of 'interpret'?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit. // elucidate an obscure passage

Q: When would 'explain' be a good substitute for 'interpret'?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known. // explain the rules

Q: When is it sensible to use 'explicate' instead of 'interpret'?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis. // explicate a poem

Q: When might 'expound' be a better fit than 'interpret'?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation. // expounding a scientific theory

interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət

Definition of interpret next

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb interpret contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate, explain, explicate, and expound. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

When can elucidate be used instead of interpret?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When would explain be a good substitute for interpret?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of interpret?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might expound be a better fit than interpret?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of interpret Each scent is an olfactory exploration of different locations worldwide, with intricate scent pyramids meant to interpret landscapes, cities, or historical scenarios. —

Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024 In effect, those words could easily be interpreted as how Nike views the competition, i.e., stealing Lontex’s trademark, its employees and even its customers. —

Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Every three years, the nation’s cutting-edge designers, artists and architects convene at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York for its triennial to interpret the creative and cultural themes of contemporary life—always with magnificent, eye-catching surprises. —

Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 If military lawyers interpret the deportation orders - which could involve millions of people - as legal, troops would be mandated to carry them out. —

Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interpret

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret

Verb

And, as a clinical social worker explains this morning, the problem is only getting worse.

Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?

John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024