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to interpret

to interpret

386 3.3
To explain what something means
  • verb
  • /ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/
translation icon : interpretar
  • Luckily I was able to interpret these feelings correctly.
  • interpret results
  • interpret findings
  • interpret data

Now, there is another way to interpret that behaviour.

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Examples

  • OK, so you can interpret this in two ways.

  • A judge must be independent and must interpret the law, not make the law.

  • What level it's at or how people interpret it is really up to them.

  • Now, there is another way to interpret that behaviour.

  • And then the question was how to interpret that observation.

  • One final hypothesis could be that states must interpret evidence consistently with medical standards.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Even within the same school district, educators can interpret the framework in many different ways.

    Academic text (2013)
  • A number of limitations need to be considered when interpreting the results of our study.

    Academic text (2012)
  • - Well, nightmares and dreams are a way for God to communicate to us, and we all interpret them differently.

  • The teacher took the time to interpret the complex poem for her students, making its meaning clear.

Synonyms

to see
vsto interpret
1.0

To understand what something means

aims to explain or decide meaning rather than just becoming aware
to understand
vsto interpret
1.0

To know the meaning of something

is the act of explaining or deciding meaning rather than merely grasping it
to take
vsto interpret
5.6

Understand something in a particular way

is the act of explaining or determining an intended meaning rather than a personal view
to explain
vsto interpret
1.0

To make something clear by describing it in simple words

focuses on deciding or judging meaning rather than only giving information
to read
vsto interpret
1.8

To look at signs or actions and understand what they mean

is about explaining or deciding meaning, not just perceiving it
to define
vsto interpret
878 1.0

To say exactly what something is or what it means

focuses on explaining meaning broadly rather than giving exact boundaries
to clarify
vsto interpret
248 3.3

To make something clear so others can understand it

is more about deciding or explaining the core meaning rather than only clearing confusion
to comprehend
vsto interpret
137 2.7

To understand the meaning of something

aims to explain or decide meaning instead of only mentally grasping it
to construe
vsto interpret
  • Formal
45 8.1

To understand words, actions, or events in a particular way

is broader, also aimed at making that meaning clear to others
to apprehend
vsto interpret
  • Formal
9 4.3

To understand the meaning of something

is concerned with making or judging meaning, not just perceiving it
to grok
vsto interpret
  • Jargon
3 9.9

To understand something deeply and naturally

focuses on explaining or judging meaning rather than deep intuitive grasp
to rede
vsto interpret
  • Archaic
9.9

To explain the meaning of old words, signs, or texts

is the common contemporary act of explaining or deciding meaning

Antonyms

266 1.9

Make someone unable to think clearly or make something hard to understand

To understand something in the wrong way

Phrasal Verbs

8.0

To say problems or criticism are not serious by changing their meaning

How Clear

to clarify
248 3.3
to explain
1.0
to interpret
386 3.3
to suggest
1.6
to guess
1.0

Surface Forms

interpret infinitive
interpreted past participle
interpreting present participle
interprets third person singular

Etymology

Interpret comes from a Latin idea of a person placed between two people to explain what one means, and the part inter- means 'between'. So to interpret something is to make its meaning clear or to explain what it means.