interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretational
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-sh(ə-_nəl
adjective -pə-
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv
adjective also -prə-tə-tiv
interpretatively adverb
interpretive
in-ˈtər-prə-tiv
adjective -pə-
interpretively adverb
Synonyms
- clarification
- construction
- elucidation
- exegesis
- explanation
- explication
- exposition
- illumination
- illustration
- road map
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a literal interpretation of the law The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence. His remarks need further interpretation. an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web The Dunning School’s interpretation of the past was very much shaped by present concerns at the time. 
Keisha N. Blain, The New Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 But the contemporary drama The Mustang and the director’s interpretation of D.H. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2022 Islamic State Khorasan holds that the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islam does not go far enough and has sought to undermine the government. Christina Goldbaum, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Sep. 2022 Still, John Philip, the head of the Hartford tax assessor department, says the city’s interpretation of how the property is assessed is correct and, therefore, the nonprofit owes the full $2.45 million. Ted Glanzer, Hartford Courant, 3 Sep. 2022 Clark’s interpretation of Galadriel takes place thousands of years earlier, in the Second Age of Middle Earth. Austa Somvichian-clausen, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2022 Instead, it's based on Joyce Carol Oates' 2000 novel, which offers a fictional interpretation of Monroe's life. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 1 Sep. 2022 When pressed on the plot of the upcoming blockbuster commercial, Ray teased a new interpretation. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2022 Like many Chinese companies, iQiyi also chooses to offer a non-GAAP interpretation of its bottom line. Patrick Frater, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022 See More
Keisha N. Blain, The New Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 But the contemporary drama The Mustang and the director’s interpretation of D.H. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2022 Islamic State Khorasan holds that the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islam does not go far enough and has sought to undermine the government. Christina Goldbaum, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Sep. 2022 Still, John Philip, the head of the Hartford tax assessor department, says the city’s interpretation of how the property is assessed is correct and, therefore, the nonprofit owes the full $2.45 million. Ted Glanzer, Hartford Courant, 3 Sep. 2022 Clark’s interpretation of Galadriel takes place thousands of years earlier, in the Second Age of Middle Earth. Austa Somvichian-clausen, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2022 Instead, it's based on Joyce Carol Oates' 2000 novel, which offers a fictional interpretation of Monroe's life. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 1 Sep. 2022 When pressed on the plot of the upcoming blockbuster commercial, Ray teased a new interpretation. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2022 Like many Chinese companies, iQiyi also chooses to offer a non-GAAP interpretation of its bottom line. Patrick Frater, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing interpretation
Kids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the way something is explained or understood
What's your interpretation of the results?
2
: a particular way of performing something (as a dramatic role)
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially : an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretations
noun
1
as in explanations
a statement that makes something clear that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- explanations
- translations
- illustrations
- definitions
- analyses
- explications
- reasonings
- constructions
- exegeses
- elucidations
- clarifications
- expositions
- illuminations
- comments
- commentaries
- meanings
- demonstrations
- paraphrases
- restatements
- annotations
- justifications
- road maps
- glosses
- rationales
- enlightenments
- edifications
- rationalizations
- enactments
- warnings
- caveats
- epexegeses
- disentanglements
- cautions
2
as in versions
a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists Synonyms & Similar Words
- versions
- renditions
- readings
- performances
- adaptations
- variations
- accounts
3
as in variations
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker Synonyms & Similar Words
- versions
- variations
- takes
- riffs
- translations
- adaptations