interpret

[in-tur-prit] /ɪnˈtɜr prɪt/
verb (used with object)
1.
to give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate:
to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable.
2.
to construe or understand in a particular way:
to interpret a reply as favorable.
3.
to bring out the meaning of (a dramatic work, music, etc.) by performance or execution.
4.
to perform or render (a song, role in a play, etc.) according to one's own understanding or sensitivity:
The actor interpreted Lear as a weak, pitiful old man.
5.
to translate orally.
6.
Computers.
  1. to transform (a program written in a high-level language) with an interpreter into a sequence of machine actions, one statement at a time, executing each statement immediately before going on to transform the next one.
  2. to read (the patterns of holes in punched cards) with an interpreter, printing the interpreted data on the same cards so that they can be read more conveniently by people.
    Compare interpreter (def 3).
verb (used without object)
7.
to translate what is said in a foreign language.
8.
to explain something; give an explanation.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English interpreten < Latin interpretārī, derivative of interpret- (stem of interpres) explainer
Related forms
interpretable, adjective
interpretability, interpretableness, noun
interpretably, adverb
noninterpretability, noun
noninterpretable, adjective
preinterpret, verb (used with object)
reinterpret, verb
self-interpreted, adjective
self-interpreting, adjective
uninterpretable, adjective
uninterpreted, adjective
well-interpreted, adjective
Synonym Study
1. See explain.
Examples from the web for interpret
  • We each interpret our experiences and reality in a way that makes sense to each of us.
  • That's why so many students around the world are not able to read and understand, interpret and make inferences.
  • Likewise, how you define words will impact how you interpret combinations of words.
  • But not all modern realists interpret their creed in so mechanical a manner.
  • Evolutionary psychology tells us that our brains developed to interpret complex social signals.
  • Proponents of the method interpret its value more broadly.
  • There are lots of tools out there that aggregate existing information and even organize it for users to interpret.
  • However, it is an error to interpret that criticism as a demand for less rigor.
  • While it will take years to interpret the ecological tales trapped in the new amber, one important story is already suggested.
  • It's people who listen to experts and interpret what they said and come to a conclusion.
British Dictionary definitions for interpret

interpret

/ɪnˈtɜːprɪt/
verb
1.
(transitive) to clarify or explain the meaning of; elucidate
2.
(transitive) to construe the significance or intention of: to interpret a smile as an invitation
3.
(transitive) to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc) in performance
4.
(intransitive) to act as an interpreter; translate orally
Derived Forms
interpretable, adjective
interpretability, interpretableness, noun
interpretably, adverb
Word Origin
C14: from Latin interpretārī, from interpres negotiator, one who explains, from inter- + -pres, probably related to pretiumprice
Word Origin and History for interpret
v.

late 14c., from Old French interpreter (13c.) and directly from Latin interpretari "explain, expound, understand," from interpres "agent, translator," from inter- (see inter-) + second element of uncertain origin, perhaps related to Sanskrit prath- "to spread abroad," PIE *per- (5) "to traffic in, sell" (see pornography). Related: Interpreted; interpreting.