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.

It was gone before I could interpret it.

From Los Angeles Times

The team also developed new techniques to interpret the scrambled motions of stars in a galaxy that has experienced a collision.

From Science Daily

This makes it harder to interpret what is really happening.

From Science Daily

How a former and sitting chair would coexist, how markets would interpret any disagreement between them, and how Warsh would assert authority in that environment are all open questions.

From Barron's

Victory estimates a combined company could yield $500 million of annual “synergies,” which many interpret as cost cuts.

From The Wall Street Journal

interpret

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words