ə̇n.ˌtərprəˈtāshən, ÷-pə-, -tə̄p-, -təip- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English interpretacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French interpretation, from Latin interpretation-, interpretatio, from interpretatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or the result of interpreting: as
a. : explanation of what is not immediately plain or explicit
interpretation of a dream
or unmistakable
interpretation of a law
interpretation of a biblical passage
interpretation of an aerial photograph
interpretation of symptoms of disease
b. : translation from one language into another — used of oral translation by interpreters
c. : explanation of actions, events, or statements by pointing out or suggesting inner relationships or motives or by relating particulars to general principles
Marxist interpretation of history
allegorical interpretation of a novel
poetic interpretations of natural phenomena
2. : representation in performance, delivery, or criticism of the thought and mood in a work of art or its producer especially as penetrated by the personality of the interpreter
interpretation is a transcendental effort … in which the player seeks not to reproduce but to re-create the music the composer wrote — C.M.Smith
famous for her original interpretations of several dramatic roles
3. : a particular adaptation or application of a method or style or set of principles
the stone house … shows a naïve and unusual interpretation of classical elements — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania
an amusing interpretation of the shirt vogue in black cotton — Virginia Pope
4. : activity directed toward the enlightenment of the public concerning the significance of the work of a public service or agency ; sometimes : publicity , public relations
program of interpretation developed by a natural-history museum
• in·ter·pre·ta·tion·al ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷|tāshən ə l, -shnəl adjective