Interpret

To explain the meaning of something, especially to translate orally, To understand and explain the meaning of something in a particular way, To perform or present a dramatic or musical work in a specified way

Interpret - Meanings

To explain the meaning of something, especially to translate orally

Example: The interpreter will interpret the speech from English to Spanish for the audience.

Usage: formalContext: conferences, official meetings

Note: Commonly used in professional settings where language translation is required.

To understand and explain the meaning of something in a particular way

Example: Different people may interpret the painting in various ways based on their experiences and emotions.

Usage: neutralContext: art, literature, music

Note: This meaning is more subjective and open to personal understanding.

To perform or present a dramatic or musical work in a specified way

Example: The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with a modern twist in the play.

Usage: formalContext: theater, music performances

Note: In this sense, 'interpret' refers to the artistic presentation or portrayal of a work.

Interpret's synonyms

explain

To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it.

Example: She explained the concept in a simple way.

Note: While interpreting involves translating or deciphering meaning, explaining focuses on making something clear or understandable.

translate

To convert words or text from one language into another.

Example: The interpreter translated the speech from Spanish to English.

Note: Interpreting involves explaining or conveying the meaning of spoken words in real-time, while translating typically involves converting written text from one language to another.

render

To represent or depict in a particular way, often artistically or creatively.

Example: The artist rendered the scene beautifully in his painting.

Note: Rendering can imply a more creative or artistic representation, while interpreting typically involves conveying meaning or translating.

elucidate

To make something clear or explain in detail.

Example: The professor elucidated the complex theory for the students.

Note: Elucidate often implies providing a detailed explanation or shedding light on a complex topic, while interpreting can involve translating or explaining meaning in various contexts.

clarify

To make something clear or understandable by explaining it further.

Example: Could you clarify what you mean by that statement?

Note: Clarifying involves making something more understandable or removing confusion, while interpreting can involve translating or explaining meaning.

Interpret expressions, common phrases

interpretation of

This phrase refers to the explanation or understanding of something, often a work of art, a text, or a situation.

Example: His interpretation of the painting was that it symbolized hope.

Note: It emphasizes the act of explaining or understanding a specific subject.

interpretation as

This phrase suggests that something can be seen or understood in a particular way.

Example: Her actions could be open to interpretation as a sign of defiance.

Note: It highlights the perception or understanding of something in a certain light.

interpret data

To interpret data means to analyze and make sense of information to draw conclusions or insights.

Example: Data analysts interpret data to find patterns and insights.

Note: It involves analyzing and deriving meaning from a set of information or statistics.

interpret a dream

Interpreting a dream involves analyzing its symbols and content to understand its possible meanings.

Example: Psychologists often interpret dreams to uncover subconscious thoughts and emotions.

Note: It refers to analyzing the content and symbolism of a dream to derive its significance.

open to interpretation

When something is open to interpretation, it means that it can be understood or explained in various ways.

Example: The ending of the movie is open to interpretation, leaving viewers with different opinions.

Note: It implies that there are multiple valid ways to understand or explain something.

misinterpret

To misinterpret something is to understand or explain it incorrectly, leading to a misunderstanding.

Example: She misinterpreted his silence as a sign of anger, but he was just deep in thought.

Note: It involves a mistaken understanding or explanation of something.

interpret the law

Interpreting the law involves analyzing legal texts and precedents to understand their implications.

Example: Lawyers interpret the law to determine how it applies to specific cases.

Note: It refers to analyzing legal documents and principles to apply them to specific situations.

Interpret everyday (slang) expressions

make sense of

To understand or comprehend something that may be confusing or unclear.

Example: Can you help me make sense of what the speaker is saying?

Note: This term implies a deeper level of understanding beyond just interpreting words.

figure out

To solve or understand something, often through analysis or deduction.

Example: I need to figure out what this message means.

Note: It suggests a process of problem-solving to understand a situation rather than just explaining it.

decode

To decipher or interpret hidden or complex messages or signals.

Example: Her facial expressions were hard to decode, so I wasn't sure what she was really feeling.

Note: It often implies unraveling a mystery or hidden meaning rather than straightforward interpretation.

read between the lines

To understand what is implied or suggested rather than stated explicitly.

Example: You need to learn to read between the lines when dealing with her responses.

Note: This term involves interpreting not just the literal message but also the underlying intent or meaning.

get the gist

To grasp the main idea or essence of something without focusing on every detail.

Example: I didn't understand all the details, but I think I got the gist of what he was trying to say.

Note: It emphasizes understanding the core message without getting into all the specifics of interpretation.

suss out

To investigate or figure out the true nature or meaning of something.

Example: Let's suss out what she really meant by that comment.

Note: It suggests a more informal or investigative approach to understanding a situation or message.

untangle

To clarify or make sense of a complex situation or set of information.

Example: I need to untangle the different opinions expressed in the meeting.

Note: This term implies unraveling complexities or confusion in a more visual or metaphorical way.

Interpret - Examples

The musician interpreted the song in a unique way.

The translator interpreted the speech for the foreign guests.

It's difficult to interpret the meaning of this ancient text.

Interpret grammar

Interpret - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: interpret

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): interpreted

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): interpreting

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): interprets

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): interpret

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): interpret

Syllabification and Stress

interpret Contains 3 syllables: in • ter • pret

Phonetic transcription: in-ˈtər-prət

in ter pret , in ˈtər prət (The red syllable is stressed)

Interpret - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

interpret: ~ 2100 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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