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Definitions

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.

Listeners interpret Kiedis’ lyrics in many ways, but regardless of what he intended, the song’s message circles back to nurturing and harnessing one’s individuality into a creative fuel.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

As the late Justice Antonin Scalia stressed, legislative floor explanations are weak evidence for the core originalist question: How would a contemporary informed reader interpret the words as enacted?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

However, many of these variants are located in non-coding regions of DNA, making their effects difficult to interpret.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

“We try to interpret American law with American precedent based on American history,” the justice told Sauer.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“You’ve got to learn how to interpret the signals your father gives off.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.