interpreter
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for interpreter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who translates spoken or signed language for others in real time.
Synonyms
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.
How to use interpreter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French interpreteur, from Latin interpretari, "to explain," built on the same root as interpret.
Full origin of interpreter →Frequently asked questions
What does “interpreter” mean?
The word “interpreter” means a person who translates spoken or signed language for others in real time. In plain terms, someone (or something) that converts meaning from one language or format into another as it happens.
How do you pronounce “interpreter”?
“Interpreter” is pronounced ihn-TUR-prih-tuh (/ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “interpreter” in a sentence?
Here is “interpreter” used in a sentence: “The court hired an interpreter so the witness could testify in her native language.”
What is another word for “interpreter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “interpreter” include decoder, elucidator, explainer, explicator, expounder and terp.
What part of speech is “interpreter”?
“Interpreter” is a noun.
Where does the word “interpreter” come from?
The word “interpreter” comes from Latin. From Old French interpreteur, from Latin interpretari, "to explain," built on the same root as interpret.
Is “interpreter” a common word?
“Interpreter” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “interpreter” have?
“Interpreter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who translates spoken or signed language for others in real time.
What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
An interpreter translates spoken or signed language for others in real time, working with live speech during conversations, meetings, or events. A translator typically works with written text, converting documents from one language to another without the immediate time pressure of live speech.
What does interpreter mean in computing?
In computing, an interpreter is a program that reads and carries out the instructions of another program directly, without compiling it first. This differs from a compiler, which translates an entire program into machine code in advance, whereas an interpreter executes instructions one at a time as the program runs.
When would you need to hire an interpreter rather than a translator?
You would hire an interpreter for live situations requiring real-time spoken or signed communication, such as medical appointments, legal proceedings, or conferences. A translator is the better choice for written material like contracts, books, or websites where immediate spoken conversion is not required.