interpret

[in-tur-prit] / ɪnˈtɜr prɪt /

VERB

make sense of; define

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clarify construe decipher depict describe enact explain illustrate portray read solve translate understand view

STRONG

adapt annotate comment commentate decode delineate elucidate exemplify explicate expound gather gloss image improvise limn mimic paraphrase perform picture play reenact render represent take

WEAK

make of spell out throw light on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

confuse disbelieve mix up obscure

STRONG

cloud direct fail misunderstand mystify stop

WEAK

misinterpret

Usage

What are other ways to say interpret? To interpret is to give the meaning of something by paraphrase, by translation, or by an explanation based on personal opinion: to interpret a poem or a symbol. To expound is to give a methodical, detailed, scholarly explanation of something, usually Scriptures, doctrines, or philosophy: to expound the doctrine of free will. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But many viewers interpreted the spot not as a feel-good story about pets but as a peek into a world where your doorbell camera can be used to scour video across neighborhoods and beyond.

From Salon

Either way, the structure of Brontë’s novel encourages readers to interpret each half through the lens of the other.

From Los Angeles Times

"No one who could interpret, no one to guide them."

From BBC

Financial-technology firm Altruist announced an AI tool that can create personalized tax strategies by interpreting financial documents without manual entry, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts interpreted those remarks as Macklem setting a high bar for additional rate relief.

From The Wall Street Journal

interpret

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words