What does "interpreter" mean?
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
Interpreter
/ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪ.tə/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
- Grammar: interpreter is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: explainer, translator, allegorist, annotator.
- Useful contrasts: compiler, compilers, composers.
- Usage evidence: Dr. White acted as our interpreter.
How to use "interpreter"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "interpreter" 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 "interpreter" 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 "interpreter" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "interpreter" 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 "interpreter" 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 "explainer" 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 "interpreter", 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 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
"... an interpreter of dreams ..."
- 2 (computer science) a program that translates and executes source language statements one line at a time wordnet
- 3 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; A person or thing that translates speech or signing, as opposed to texts.
"A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements."
- 4 someone who mediates between speakers of different languages wordnet
- 5 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of translator, one who translates various forms of texts. obsolete
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 someone who uses art to represent something wordnet
- 7 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of commentator, one who explains laws or scripture. obsolete
"... the holy fathers interpretours of holy scrypture ..."
- 8 an advocate who represents someone else's policy or purpose wordnet
- 9 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine. obsolete
- 10 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people. uncommon
"At the historic site, there are a number of interpreters who demonstrate ancient crafts."
- 11 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; A thing that, figuratively speaking, performs a similar role explaining, revealing, or clarifying. figuratively
"Leo. ... theſe thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand ſlackneſſe."
- 12 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of synonymy, the use of one term to explain another. obsolete, rhetoric
- 13 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; Synonym of dictionary or glossary, a book that explains uncommon terms. obsolete
- 14 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; A machine that reads the pattern of holes on a punch card and prints its meaning along the top of the card. historical
- 15 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; An analyst of reconnaissance photographs. historical
- 16 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; A program that converts commands into machine language in real time rather than compiling it in advance.
"Programs written in BASIC are usually run through an interpreter rather than a compiler."
- 17 A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another; A performer who presents a piece of art in a distinct style, particularly so as to make older works relevant to their audience.
"... one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's piano works ..."
Example
"Dr. White acted as our interpreter."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "interpreter"?
Common synonyms include: explainer, translator, allegorist, annotator, artist, artiste.
How do you use "interpreter" in a sentence?
Dr. White acted as our interpreter.
How do you pronounce "interpreter"?
Pronounced /ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪ.tə/.
Etymology
From Middle English interpreter, interpretour, etc., from Old French interpreteur, interpreteeur, etc., from Late Latin interpretātōr, from classical Latin interpretātus (“explained, translated”) + -or (“-er: forming agent nouns”), from interpretārī (“to explain, to translate”), from interpres (“go-between, translator”) + -ārī (“to be ~ed”), q.v. In reference to divine emissaries, a calque of Mercury's Latin epithet interpres divum (“go-between of the gods”). In reference to the rhetorical device, a calque of Latin interpretatio. Equivalent to interpret + -er. Displaced native Old English wealhstod.