interpretation

noun

in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
-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 adjective
interpretative
in-ˈtər-prə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
 also  -prə-tə-tiv
adjective
interpretatively adverb
interpretive adjective
interpretively adverb

Examples of interpretation in a Sentence

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The previous voucher legislation was ruled unconstitutional by the state's highest court, based on justices' interpretation of the state constitution. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Oct. 2024 Tracking, after all, is a methodology reliant upon human interpretation—and humans are fallible. Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The Legal Dispute The heart of this legal battle lies in the interpretation of the school's policies on AI usage at the time of the incident. Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Crimson liquid drips from the dancers’ fingers; lithe electronic-acoustic music and vocals soundtrack this interpretation of how blood—represented here as both a literal life force and the figurative pulse of the earth—flows through the female spirit. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interpretation 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpretation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interpretation

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretative adjective
interpretatively adverb

Medical Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə- How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: 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
interpret transitive verb
interpretive adjective

Legal Definition

interpretation

noun
in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
interpretative adjective
interpretive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!