interpret

The word “interpret” means to explain or work out the meaning of something, especially a language, gesture, sign, or piece of art. In plain terms, to figure out and explain what something means, or to translate speech live between languages.

“Interpret” is pronounced ihn-TUR-priht (/ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “interpret” used in a sentence: “She interpreted the ancient inscription for the museum visitors.”

Words with a similar meaning to “interpret” include translate, explain, contrue, solve, render and expound.

“Interpret” is a verb.

The word “interpret” comes from Latin. From Old French enterpreter, from Latin interpretari, "to explain or expound," ultimately from an old word for a go-between or broker.

“Interpret” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Interpret” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to explain or work out the meaning of something, especially a language, gesture, sign, or piece of art.

Interpret usually refers to converting spoken language in real time, such as at a meeting or event, while translate typically refers to converting written text from one language to another. Interpret can also mean explaining the meaning of something non-verbal, like art or a gesture, which translate does not cover.

In computing, to interpret a program means to run it by reading and executing its instructions one at a time, rather than compiling the whole program into machine code first. This is why languages like Python are often called "interpreted languages."

An interpreter works with spoken language, converting speech from one language into another in real time, while a translator works with written text. The two skills overlap but require different techniques, since interpreting demands quick, on-the-spot rendering.