What does "interpretation" mean?
An act of interpreting or explaining something unclear; a translation; a version.
Interpretation
/ɪnˌtɜːpɹəˈteɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of interpreting or explaining something unclear; a translation; a version.
- Grammar: interpretation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: reading, accomplishment, adopted view, amendment intent.
- Useful contrasts: historical description, categorizations, compiling.
- Usage evidence: In our interpretation, the output data in Table 2 is an acceptable variation of that in Table 1.
How to use "interpretation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "interpretation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "interpretation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "interpretation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "interpretation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "interpretation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reading" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "interpretation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of interpreting or explaining something unclear; a translation; a version. countable
"The interpretation of a dream, or of an enigma"
- 2 the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance wordnet
- 3 A sense given by an interpreter; an exposition or explanation given; meaning. countable
"Commentators give various interpretations of the same passage of Scripture."
- 4 an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious wordnet
- 5 The discipline or study of translating one spoken or signed language into another (as opposed to translation, which concerns itself with written language). uncountable
"I believe that interpretation, particularly consecutive interpretation, is an art. I also believe, however, that the skill of consecutive interpretation can be taught, but only up to a point."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something wordnet
- 7 The power of explaining. uncountable
- 8 an explanation that results from interpreting something wordnet
- 9 An artist's way of expressing thought or embodying a conception of nature through art. countable
- 10 An act or process of applying general principles or formulae to the explanation of the results obtained in special cases. countable
- 11 An approximation that allows aspects of a mathematical theory to be discussed in ordinary language. countable
- 12 An assignment of a truth value to each propositional symbol of a propositional calculus. countable
- 13 Short for heritage interpretation abbreviation, alt-of, countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In our interpretation, the output data in Table 2 is an acceptable variation of that in Table 1."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "interpretation"?
Common synonyms include: reading, accomplishment, adopted view, amendment intent, analyses, analysis.
How do you use "interpretation" in a sentence?
In our interpretation, the output data in Table 2 is an acceptable variation of that in Table 1.
How do you pronounce "interpretation"?
Pronounced /ɪnˌtɜːpɹəˈteɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English interpretacioun, from the Anglo-Norman form of Old French interpretacion, from Latin interpretātiō, noun of action from interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret, understand, conclude, infer, comprehend”). Morphologically interpret + -ation.