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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

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.