/ ɪnˈtɜːprɪt; NAmE -ˈtɜːrp-/ verb
1.
[ vn ] to explain the meaning of sth :
The students were asked to interpret the poem.
2.
[ vn ] interpret sth (as sth) to decide that sth has a particular meaning and to understand it in this way :
I didn't know whether to interpret her silence as acceptance or refusal.
The data can be interpreted in many different ways.
—compare misinterpret
3.
[ v ] interpret (for sb) to translate one language into another as you hear it :
She couldn't speak much English so her children had to interpret for her.
4.
[ vn ] to perform a piece of music, a role in a play, etc. in a way that shows your feelings about its meaning :
He interpreted the role with a lot of humour.
► in·ter·pret·able / ɪnˈtɜːprɪtəbl; NAmE -ˈtɜːrp-/ adjective :
interpretable data
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French interpreter or Latin interpretari explain, translate, from interpres , interpret- agent, translator, interpreter.