interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
According to polygenism, one of the most important constructions of race in the mid-nineteenth century, each of these distinct races had separate origins, either by divine creation or, in later interpretations shaped by Darwinian thought, by distinct evolutionary paths.
—
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Apr. 2026
The deeper focus on internal struggles, thanks to the limited scope of the larger story, helps the overall package and the lead actors' interpretations of their complicated characters.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
One interpretation The pandemic caused a major shift in the type of person who leaves California, with residents of higher-income areas growing.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Apr. 2026
The deeper focus on internal struggles, thanks to the limited scope of the larger story, helps the overall package and the lead actors' interpretations of their complicated characters.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
One interpretation The pandemic caused a major shift in the type of person who leaves California, with residents of higher-income areas growing.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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