interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-pə-
Synonyms of interpretation
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretational
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-pə-
adjective
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
also -prə-tə-tiv
adjective
interpretatively adverb
interpretive
in-ˈtər-prə-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-pə-
adjective
interpretively adverb

Synonyms of interpretation

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Examples of interpretation in a Sentence

a literal interpretation of the law The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence. His remarks need further interpretation. an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The medically frail interpretation required them to make additional changes, and the judge’s ruling will now force them to shift directions again. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026 Xiaoyuan said consumers are increasingly interested in interpretations by creators — including people outside fashion — who can explain a brand in more accessible terms. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 The modern-day interpretation of the holiday was pioneered by the Eastside nonprofit Self Help Graphics & Art, which hosted its first Día de los Muertos public celebration in 1972. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Inevitably, the movie is not quite as interior, but Jean-Luc Godard uses each male character’s contentious interpretation of The Odyssey as a reflection of their own egos. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpretation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing interpretation

Rhymes for interpretation

See All Rhymes for interpretation

Browse Nearby Words

interpretate
interpretation
interpretation clause
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretative
-ˈtər-prə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
adjective
interpretatively adverb

Medical Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially : an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
interpret
in-ˈtər-prət, -pət How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
transitive verb
interpretive
-prət-iv, -pət- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
adjective
or interpretative
-prə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce interpretation (audio) -prət-ət-iv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv, -tə-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
adjective
interpretive
in-ˈtər-prə-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
adjective
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