interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət 
-pət
interpreted; interpreting; interprets
1
: to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms
interpret dreams
needed help interpreting the results
2
: to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : construe
interpret a contract
3
: to represent by means of art : bring to realization by performance or direction
interprets a role
: to act as an interpreter between speakers of different languages
Examples of interpret in a Sentence
We need someone to interpret these results for us.
How should we interpret the law?
I interpreted his behavior to mean that he disliked me.
Every actor interprets the role of Hamlet a little differently.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scream With Me expands on this argument with its analysis of The Exorcist, a movie that Johnson interprets as a parable about physical abuse; its male demon torments and beats a single working mother and her child.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Following that performance, a Democratic win in the race for governor could be interpreted as a warning sign for the GOP.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.
—Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Clothes that defy convention — of gender, of context, even of gravity — interpreting sculptural and oversized forms.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpret
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Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Following that performance, a Democratic win in the race for governor could be interpreted as a warning sign for the GOP.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.
—Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Clothes that defy convention — of gender, of context, even of gravity — interpreting sculptural and oversized forms.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpret
Cite this Entry
“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpret. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpret
verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
1
: to explain the meaning of
interpret a dream
2
: to understand according to one's own belief or judgment
interpret an act as unfriendly
3
: to bring out the meaning of by performing
an actor interprets a role
4
: to translate for speakers of different languages
Legal Definition
interpret
transitive verb
in·ter·pret
in-ˈtər-prət
: to explain or tell the meaning of (as a document) especially in order to determine intent
they must interpret the provisions of the Constitution—L. H. Tribe
L. H. TribeLove words? Need even more definitions?
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