interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət 
-pət
interpreted; interpreting; interprets
1
: to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms
interpret dreams
needed help interpreting the results
2
: to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : construe
interpret a contract
3
: to represent by means of art : bring to realization by performance or direction
interprets a role
: to act as an interpreter between speakers of different languages
Synonyms
Examples of interpret in a Sentence
We need someone to interpret these results for us.
How should we interpret the law?
I interpreted his behavior to mean that he disliked me.
Every actor interprets the role of Hamlet a little differently.
Recent Examples on the Web
Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and has previously been interpreted by the Supreme Court to grant citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of the citizenship status of their parents.
—
Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025
The guys on the bandstand are interpreting them horizontally, from left to right, one note at a time.
—Heather Augustyn, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025
Birthright citizenship has been interpreted, repeatedly, as an integral part of the 14th Amendment.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
For such a simple dessert—just flour, butter, sugar, and eggs—there are many ways of interpreting it, from adding cream cheese or a bit of bourbon to the batter, to spiking it with cocoa powder, to adding a ribbon of strawberry filling throughout.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interpret 
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Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025
The guys on the bandstand are interpreting them horizontally, from left to right, one note at a time.
—Heather Augustyn, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025
Birthright citizenship has been interpreted, repeatedly, as an integral part of the 14th Amendment.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
For such a simple dessert—just flour, butter, sugar, and eggs—there are many ways of interpreting it, from adding cream cheese or a bit of bourbon to the batter, to spiking it with cocoa powder, to adding a ribbon of strawberry filling throughout.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interpret
Dictionary Entries Near interpret
Cite this Entry
“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpret. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
1
: to explain the meaning of
interpret a dream
2
: to understand according to one's own belief or judgment
interpret an act as unfriendly
3
: to bring out the meaning of by performing
an actor interprets a role
4
: to translate for speakers of different languages
Legal Definition
interpret
transitive verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent
they must interpret the provisions of the Constitution—L. H. Tribe
L. H. TribeLove words? Need even more definitions?
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