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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.

But the smallness and lockstep defeatism of so much commentary on the war also stems from the normal human tendency to interpret today’s big thing as another version of yesterday’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The stable parasite levels observed in coho and sockeye salmon are more difficult to interpret.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

The fact: Individual rattlesnakes, just like individual people, vary greatly in how they interpret threats, Pauly said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Historians widely interpret such violence as a counterrevolutionary response to the strength of socialist and labor movements after the First World War.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

“Women have just as good a right to interpret and twist the Bible to their own advantage as men have always twisted it and turned it to theirs,” she told a reporter.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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