Interpret

/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To explain the meaning of (information or actions).

The teacher helped us interpret the complex poem.

To translate orally or into sign language.

She was called to interpret the speech for the deaf audience.

To conclude or infer from something.

I interpret his silence as a sign of disagreement.

Late Middle English: from Latin interpretari 'explain, expound, translate'

interpret someone's thoughts

to understand or convey what someone is thinking.

interpret a text

to analyze and explain the meaning of a written work.

interpret the law

to explain the legal provisions or statutes in context.

translator

A person who translates written text from one language to another.

exegesis

Critical interpretation or explanation of a text, especially religious scripture.

explanation

A statement that makes something clear.

To read between the lines.

When he said he was fine, I interpreted that as something else.

To give one's take on something.

Let me interpret this situation for you.