interpret

in-ter-pret · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To explain or understand the meaning of something in a particular way.

  2. 2.

    To translate spoken words from one language into another, especially in real-time.

  3. 3.

    To perform a piece of music, a role in a play, or a dance in a way that conveys one's understanding of it.

Phrases & expressions

  • interpret as — To understand something as having a particular meaning
  • interpret for — To translate for someone
  • interpret literally — To understand words in their exact, basic meaning

Related words

Etymology

From Latin interpretari ("to explain, translate, understand"), from interpres ("agent, translator, interpreter").