interpretation
in-TUR-pruh-TAY-shun
Interpretation (noun) means the particular meaning that someone takes from something, especially where more than one reading is possible. Example: “That is one interpretation of the poem, but not the only one.”
noun
1
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."
"The two lawyers offered opposite interpretations of the same clause."
"My interpretation of her silence was that she was upset, though I may be wrong."
2
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."
"The director's interpretation moves the play to 1960s Chicago."
"The young actor's interpretation of Hamlet was angrier and more modern than most."
3
The act of translating speech from one language into another as it is spoken.
"Simultaneous interpretation was provided in five languages."
"She works in interpretation, so she listens to speakers and translates for visitors immediately."
"Without interpretation, most guests at the conference would not have understood the opening speech."
How to use interpretation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you decide something means.
When to use it
Neutral. Common in law, literary study, music and diplomacy.
Easily confused with
interpretation vs translation
interpretation vs analysis
Common pairings
open to interpretation
literal interpretation
strict interpretation
a matter of interpretation
interpretation of the data
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That is one _____ of the poem, but not the only one.
Etymology
From Latin interpretari, "to explain or translate", from interpres, meaning an agent or go-between.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for interpretation
region
cation
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of interpretation?
"interpretation" (noun) means the particular meaning that someone takes from something, especially where more than one reading is possible.
