Interpret — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈtər-prət/ in·ter·pret

Meaning & Definition of Interpret

Interpret (verb)

  1. to explain or tell the meaning of, present in understandable terms
  2. to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance, construe
  3. to represent by means of art, bring to realization by performance or direction

Interpret (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make plain or understandable

    "a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction"

    similar: clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, simplify, spell out, unriddle
    related: decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss
    opposite: obscure
    near: befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

  2. to present a portrayal or performance of

    "interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way"

    similar: act, do, impersonate, perform, play, portray
    related: depict, dramatize, render, represent, act out, enact, pantomime, playact, role-play, take on, overact, overplay, underplay, ape, clown, ham, imitate, masquerade, mime, mimic, pose (as), star (in), coact, costar

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Interpret

The most common words with a similar meaning to Interpret:

clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, simplify, spell out, unriddle, act, do, impersonate, perform, play, portray

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Interpret

Words with the opposite meaning of Interpret:

obscure

Related Words for Interpret

decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss, depict, dramatize, render, represent, act out, enact, pantomime, playact, role-play, take on, overact, overplay, underplay, ape

Near Antonyms of Interpret

befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

Word Forms of Interpret

Inflections: interpreted, interpreting, interprets

Derived words: interpretability (noun), interpretable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Interpret

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French interpreter, from Latin interpretari, from interpret-, interpres agent, negotiator, interpreter

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Interpret

Frequently Asked Questions about Interpret

What does "Interpret" mean?

"Interpret" means to explain or tell the meaning of, present in understandable terms. As a verb, it is defined as: to explain or tell the meaning of, present in understandable terms. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Interpret"?

Other words for "Interpret" include clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain and explicate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Interpret" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Interpret"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Interpret". Common alternatives include clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound and get across.

What is the opposite of "Interpret"?

Antonyms of "Interpret" include obscure. Near antonyms include befog, cloud, confound and confuse.

How do you use "Interpret" in a sentence?

Examples of "Interpret" in a sentence: "a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction"; "interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way".

Is "Interpret" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Interpret" is a verb.

Is "Interpret" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Interpret" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Interpret"?

"Interpret" is pronounced /in-ˈtər-prət/ and divided into syllables as in·ter·pret.