interpret

Meaning

  1. To decode the meaning of a topic and then act, whether to continue researching the topic, follow through, act in opposition, or further the understanding through sharing an interpretation.
  2. To explain or tell the meaning of; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms. applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.
  3. To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation
  4. (intransitive) To convey what a user of one language is saying or signing, in real time or shortly after that person has finished communicating, to a user of a different language
  5. (transitive) To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance.

Synonyms

translate
C1
explain
A2
construe
render
C2
read
A1
📖
understand
A1
clarify
C2
expound

elucidate

decipher
C2
decode
21k
illustrate
23k
rede
see
A1
👀
describe
B2
define
C1
turn
A1

make clear

solve
B1
comprehend
C2
explicate
catch
A2
translator
C1
figure
A2
take
A1
apprehend
C2
simplify
24k
unravel
C2
detail
B2
relate
C1
compass
C1
🧭
judge
A2
🧑‍⚖️
justify
C1
get
A1
play
A1
represent
B2
analyze
C1
unscramble
dig
B1
change
A1
analyse
21k
decrypt
39k
bring about
formulate
31k
follow
A2
flip over
decide
A2
ascertain
21k
alter
C1
account for
Translations

interpréter
interpretar
interpretare
interpretar
interpretieren
interpretar
traduire
dolmetschen
interpreteren
ترجم
traduzir

ερμηνεύω

deuten
auslegen
übersetzen
Frequency

C2
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪt/
Etymology

Inherited from Middle English
interpreten
Cognate with French
French
interpréter
Cognate with Ancient Greek
φράζειν
In summary

From Middle English interpreten, from Old French enterpreter, (French interpréter), from Latin interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret”), past participle interpretatus, from interpres (“an agent, broker, explainer, interpreter, negotiator”), from inter (“between”) + -pres, probably the root of pretium (“price”); -pres is probably connected with Ancient Greek φράζειν (phrázein, “to point out, show, explain, declare, speak”), from which φραδή (phradḗ, “understanding”), φράσις (phrásis, “speech”); see phrase.

Improve your pronunciation

Notes

Sign in to write sticky notes
English