interpret

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To explain or tell the meaning of; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms. applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.

   to interpret an Indian speech

2. 2
   verb

   To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation

   The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill.

3. 3
   verb

   To convey what a user of one language is saying or signing, in real time or shortly after that person has finished communicating, to a user of a different language

   He interpreted at the meeting between the Chinese and French associates.

4. 4
   verb

   make sense of a language

5. 5
   verb

   make sense of

6. 6
   verb

   give an interpretation or explanation to

7. 7
   verb

   restate (words) from one language into another language

8. 8
   verb

   create an image or likeness of

Etymology

From Middle English interpreten, from Old French enterpreter, (French interpréter), from Latin interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret”), past participle interpretatus, from interpres (“an agent, broker, explainer, interpreter, negotiator”), from inter (“between”) + -pres, probably the root of pretium (“price”); -pres is probably connected with Ancient Greek φράζειν (phrázein, “to point out, show, explain, declare, speak”), from which φραδή (phradḗ, “understanding”), φράσις (phrásis, “speech”); see phrase.