interpretation
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for interpretation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The particular meaning that someone takes from something, especially where more than one reading is possible.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The particular meaning that someone takes from something, especially where more than one reading is possible.
“That is one interpretation of the poem, but not the only one.”
2. noun
The way a performer chooses to play or present a piece of music, a role, or a text.
“Her interpretation of the Chopin nocturne was unusually restrained.”
3. noun
The act of translating speech from one language into another as it is spoken.
“Simultaneous interpretation was provided in five languages.”
How to use interpretation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral. Common in law, literary study, music and diplomacy.
Etymology
From Latin interpretari, "to explain or translate", from interpres, meaning an agent or go-between.
Full origin of interpretation →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between interpretation and translation?
Interpretation deals with spoken language and happens live, so the interpreter must work in real time. Translation deals with written text and allows the translator to revise and research. Both convert meaning between languages, but the skills are quite different.
What does open to interpretation mean?
It means something can reasonably be understood in more than one way, so no single reading is definitively correct. People often say it about ambiguous contract wording, art, or a remark whose intent is unclear.
What is the difference between interpretation and analysis?
Analysis breaks something down into its parts and describes how they work. Interpretation goes further and says what it means or signifies. A good essay usually does both: analyse the evidence, then interpret it.