interpreter
ihn-TUR-prih-tuh
Interpreter (noun) means a person who translates spoken or signed language for others in real time. Example: “The court hired an interpreter so the witness could testify in her native language.”
noun
1
A person who translates spoken or signed language for others in real time.
"The court hired an interpreter so the witness could testify in her native language."
"The interpreter relayed the diplomat's remarks sentence by sentence."
"At the conference, an interpreter sat in a booth and translated every talk."
2
Computing: a program that reads and carries out the instructions of another program directly, without compiling it first.
"The Python interpreter executes the script one line at a time."
"An interpreter lets you test code quickly because it runs each line as you type it."
"Unlike a compiler, an interpreter reads the program and acts on it straight away."
How to use interpreter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that converts meaning from one language or format into another as it happens.
Common mistake
An interpreter works with spoken or signed language in real time; a translator works with written text.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sign language interpreter
hire an interpreter
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Word forms
- Plural
- interpreters
Fill the gap
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The court hired an _____ so the witness could testify in her native language.
Etymology
From Old French interpreteur, from Latin interpretari, "to explain," built on the same root as interpret.
Synonyms
View more →
translator
go-between
mediator
spokesperson
representative
voice
decoder
elucidator
explainer
explicator
expounder
terp
Related words
Rhymes for interpreter
See all rhymes for 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.
