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 key will be in human judgment and how interpretation of the data is applied. — Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 That interpretation, however, has not been embraced by the courts or the legal norms of the country for 160 years. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026 Not shopping around for rates and banks There won't be a uniform interpretation of the interest rate climate this July among banks. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 29 June 2026 The silliness of that aspect of the story is baked into this interpretation, with several very meta acknowledgments. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

Nglish: Translation of interpretation for Spanish Speakers

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