interpretation

interpretation — noun

1. the meaning that a person gives to a statement, action, event, or situation base

1.nounB2
Definition

the meaning that a person gives to a statement, action, event, or situation based on their own understanding or point of view

Example

Eve's interpretation of the poem focused on themes of loss and memory.

interpretation of [text] + thematic focus

The lawyer gave a strict interpretation of the contract's terms.

strict interpretation of [document]

Common collocations
  • broad interpretation
  • strict interpretation
  • literal interpretation
  • personal interpretation
  • different interpretations
  • open to interpretation
Synonyms
  • explanation

    more neutral and factual; interpretation adds a personal viewpoint

  • reading

    more informal; often used for analyzing literature or situations

  • understanding

    focuses on mental grasp rather than expressed explanation

Grammar Patterns

interpretation of [something]

different interpretations of [something]

Usage Note

Frequently followed by 'of' to name what is being interpreted. Often used with adjectives such as strict, broad, literal, or personal to describe the nature of the explanation.

Common Mistakes

Can you give me an interpretation of this letter into Chinese?
Can you give me a translation of this letter into Chinese?
interpretation explains meaning in the same language; translation changes languages.

2. the individual style or approach that an actor, musician, or dancer brings to a

2.nounB2
Definition

the individual style or approach that an actor, musician, or dancer brings to a performance, shaping how the audience experiences the work

Example

The pianist's interpretation of the sonata was much slower than expected.

musical interpretation of [piece]

Nora's interpretation of Lady Macbeth earned her excellent reviews.

theatrical interpretation of [role]

Common collocations
  • modern interpretation
  • traditional interpretation
  • original interpretation
  • dramatic interpretation
  • musical interpretation
  • stage interpretation
Synonyms
  • rendition

    more formal; often used for music or song performances

  • reading

    used for spoken-word performances or literary readings

  • version

    broader term; can apply to any particular form or arrangement

Grammar Patterns

interpretation of [creative work]

[adjective] interpretation of [piece/role]

Usage Note

Common with adjectives describing style (modern, traditional, original, classical). Unlike the EXPLANATION OF MEANING sense, this sense is specific to creative and performing arts contexts.

Common Mistakes

Her interpretation of the meeting showed she was not paying attention.
Her account of the meeting showed she was not paying attention.
interpretation refers to artistic performance, not personal reports of events.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to making sense of something, but they differ in scope and use. An explanation is a neutral statement that makes something clear — it does not necessarily reflect a personal viewpoint. A reading is a personal or critical interpretation, often of a text or situation, and implies a particular angle. Understanding refers to the mental grasp of meaning, whether or not it is expressed aloud. Analysis suggests a careful, methodical examination of parts in order to understand the whole. Interpretation sits between explanation and reading: it presents a personal account of meaning while staying grounded in evidence. For example, a detective offers an explanation of a crime, a critic offers a reading of a film, and a historian offers an interpretation of a past event.

explanation ↗reading ↗understanding ↗analysis ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • open to interpretation
  • subject to interpretation
  • a matter of interpretation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Interpretation comes from Latin 'interpretatio', meaning 'explanation' or 'exposition'. It is based on the verb 'interpretari' (to explain, translate, understand), which itself comes from 'interpres' (an agent who negotiates between two parties, a translator). The word entered English through Old French 'interpretacion' in the 1300s, initially carrying both the sense of explaining meaning and of translating between languages.