Interpretation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən/ in·ter·pre·ta·tion

Meaning & Definition of Interpretation

Interpretation (noun)

  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

Interpretation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement that makes something clear

    "that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark"

    similar: clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, road map
    related: paraphrase, restatement, translation, annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss, deciphering, decoding, disentanglement, unscrambling, analysis, edification, enlightenment, definition, meaning, demonstration, enactment, justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning, caution, caveat, warning

  2. 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"

    similar: account, performance, reading, rendition, version
    related: adaptation, reworking, variation

  3. a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)

    "a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker"

    similar: riff, take, variation
    related: version, adaptation, translation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Interpretation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Interpretation:

clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, road map, account, performance, reading, rendition, version, riff, take, variation

Related Words for Interpretation

paraphrase, restatement, translation, annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss, deciphering, decoding, disentanglement, unscrambling, analysis, edification, enlightenment, definition, meaning, demonstration, enactment, justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning, caution, caveat, warning, adaptation, reworking

Word Forms of Interpretation

Derived words: interpretational (adjective), interpretative (adjective), interpretatively (adverb), interpretive (adjective), interpretively (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Interpretation

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Interpretation

Words & Phrases Containing Interpretation

counterinterpretation

Frequently Asked Questions about Interpretation

What does "Interpretation" mean?

"Interpretation" means the act or the result of interpreting, explanation. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or the result of interpreting, explanation. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Interpretation"?

Other words for "Interpretation" include clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition and illumination. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Interpretation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Interpretation"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Interpretation". Common alternatives include clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration and road map.

How do you use "Interpretation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Interpretation" in a sentence: "that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark"; "a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists"; "a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker".

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

"Interpretation" is a noun.

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

As a B2-level word, "Interpretation" 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+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Interpretation"?

"Interpretation" is pronounced /in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən/ and divided into syllables as in·ter·pre·ta·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Interpretation"?

First known use: 14th century.