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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.

I could write a song where I’m speaking about my own personal experiences, but be cognizant of the fact that they interpret it from a different lens, and be respectful of that.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The workers the Swedish newspapers spoke to were data annotators, teaching Meta's AI to interpret images by manually labelling content.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

That earlier explosion may have hidden key details, making the event much harder to interpret.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

Monsanto wants judges to interpret the law as written—since it expressly pre-empts state regulation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“Charming Miss Woodhouse! allow me to interpret this interesting silence. It confesses that you have long understood me.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing interpret

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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List 2

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Vocabulary of the Common Core

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