Interpret

//ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪt// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 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. 2
    make sense of a language wordnet
  3. 3
    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.

    "to interpret an Indian speech"

  4. 4
    make sense of; assign a meaning to wordnet
  5. 5
    To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation

    "The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill."

Show 6 more definitions
  1. 6
    give an interpretation or explanation to wordnet
  2. 7
    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 intransitive

    "He interpreted at the meeting between the Chinese and French associates."

  3. 8
    restate (words) from one language into another language wordnet
  4. 9
    To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance. transitive
  5. 10
    create an image or likeness of wordnet
  6. 11
    give an interpretation or rendition of wordnet

Etymology

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.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: interpret