EGAVE

interpret

Academic Word List, sublist 1.

About 12.10 uses per million words.

Meaning

  1. verb To decode the meaning of a topic and then act, whether to continue researching the topic, follow through, act in opposition, or further the understanding through sharing an interpretation.
  2. verb To explain or tell the meaning of; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms. applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.
    to interpret an Indian speech
  3. verb To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation.
    The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill.
  4. verb To convey what a user of one language is saying or signing, in real time or shortly after that person has finished communicating, to a user of a different language.
    He interpreted at the meeting between the Chinese and French associates.
  5. verb To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance.

Similar words

construe represent translate read render understand interpretation interpretative interpretive translation

Often followed by

the it this and them these a their as

Word family

interpretabilities interpretability interpretable interpretation interpretations interpretative interpreted interpreting interpretive interprets

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