v. in·ter·pret·ed, in·ter·pret·ing, in·ter·prets v.tr. 1. To explain the meaning of: The newspapers interpreted the ambassador's speech as an attempt at making peace. See Synonyms at explain. 2. To understand the significance of; construe: interpreted his smile to be an agreement; interpreted the open door as an invitation. 3. To present or conceptualize the meaning of by means of art or criticism: The actor interpreted the character with great subtlety. 4. To translate from one language into another: interpreted the ambassador's remarks for the assembly. v.intr. To serve as an interpreter for speakers of different languages. [Middle English interpreten, from Old French interpreter, from Latin interpretārī, from interpres, interpret-, negotiator, explainer; see per-5 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] in·ter′pret·a·bili·ty, in·terpret·a·ble·ness n. in·terpret·a·ble adj. |
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