Interpretation

Definition

The act of explaining, reframing, or otherwise showing one's understanding of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˌtɜrprəˈteɪʃən/
• Respelling: in-TER-pruh-TAY-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "TER" as in "her," "pruh" as in "sofa," "TAY" as in "say," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃən/
• Respelling: in-TER-pri-TAY-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "TER" as in "her," "pri" as in "sit," "TAY" as in "say," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "interpretation" places the primary stress on the fourth syllable, "TAY." The American pronunciation includes "pruh" while the British pronunciation includes "pri," focusing on the clear articulation of "in-TER-pruh-TAY-shun" (American) and "in-TER-pri-TAY-shun" (British).

Etymology

From Middle French "interprétation" and from Latin "interpretatio(n-)", derived from "interpretari" ('to expound, explain, understand').

Derivatives

• Interpret (verb)
• Interpretive (adjective)
• Interpreter (noun)
• Interpreted (verb, past tense)
• Reinterpretation (noun)

Synonyms

• Explanation
• Exposition
• Clarification

Antonyms

• Obfuscation
• Complication
• Misinterpretation

Usage

Interpretation is used in various contexts, including literature, law, art, and daily communication, to denote the process of explaining or understanding something in a particular way.

Related Terms

• Translator
• Analysis
• Understanding
• Perception
• Insight

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Interpretation (Noun, General): The action of explaining the meaning of something.
  • Example: "The professor's interpretation of the poem was insightful."

• Interpretation (Noun, Law): The process of determining the intended meaning of a legal document, statute, or regulation.
  • Example: "The court's interpretation of the law was crucial in the final decision."

• Interpretation (Noun, Art): An artist's particular way of representing or understanding their subject matter.
  • Example: "Her interpretation of the role was unique and captivating."

• Interpretation (Noun, Music): The way a performer chooses to express a piece of music.
  • Example: "The pianist's interpretation of the concerto brought a fresh perspective to the classic piece."

Note: The term "interpretation" underscores the inherent subjectivity in understanding and expressing the meaning of various forms of communication.