interpreter

interpreter — noun

1. A person who translates spoken words from one language into another, allowing pe

1.nounB1
Definition

A person who translates spoken words from one language into another, allowing people who speak different languages to communicate with each other.

Example

Mayumi worked as an interpreter for the Japanese delegation at the trade summit.

work as an interpreter — professional role collocation

The hospital called in an interpreter to discuss treatment options with the Mandarin-speaking patient.

call in an interpreter — collocation for arranging services

Common collocations
  • work as an interpreter
  • call in an interpreter
  • hire an interpreter
  • sign language interpreter
  • professional interpreter
Synonyms
  • translator

    works with written texts, not spoken language

  • linguist

    broader term for someone skilled in languages, not specifically a speech translator

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

work as an interpreter

act as an interpreter

Usage Note

An interpreter works with spoken language in real time, while a translator works with written documents. The two terms describe different professional skills and should not be used interchangeably.

Common Mistakes

The interpreter translated the contract from French to English.
The translator translated the contract from French to English.
Interpreters handle spoken language; translators handle written text.

2. A type of computer program that reads and runs instructions in a programming lan

2.nounC1
Definition

A type of computer program that reads and runs instructions in a programming language one step at a time, without first converting the whole program into machine code.

Example

Python uses an interpreter to run code one line at a time rather than compiling it first.

one line at a time — key feature distinguishing interpreters from compilers

The interpreter stopped running when it found a typo in line seven of Harold's script.

Common collocations
  • Python interpreter
  • command-line interpreter
  • Ruby interpreter
  • interactive interpreter
  • shell interpreter
Synonyms
  • runtime

    broader term for the environment where code executes, not the specific translation mechanism

  • command shell

    a specific type of interactive interpreter found in operating systems

Antonyms
  • compiler

    translates the entire program before execution rather than running it line by line

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

the [language] interpreter

[language] interpreter

Usage Note

Frequently appears as part of a compound noun with a programming language name (e.g. 'Python interpreter', 'Ruby interpreter'). The key difference from a compiler is that an interpreter executes instructions immediately without a separate build step.

Common Mistakes

The compiler runs the code line by line.
The interpreter runs the code line by line.
A compiler translates the entire program at once; only an interpreter works line by line.

3. A performer — particularly a musician or actor — who expresses a personal view o

3.nounB2
Definition

A performer — particularly a musician or actor — who expresses a personal view of the music they play or the character they portray.

Example

Élise is widely regarded as a sensitive interpreter of Chopin's piano compositions.

sensitive interpreter of [composer] — characteristic collocation in music criticism

Critics praised Naoko as the finest interpreter of that Shakespearean role in over a decade.

Common collocations
  • sensitive interpreter
  • fine interpreter
  • original interpreter
  • interpreter of the role
  • interpreter of the work
Synonyms
  • performer

    broader term covering any type of live presentation

  • artist

    emphasizes creative expression rather than faithful reproduction

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

interpreter of + [composer/work/role]

sensitive interpreter of

Usage Note

Most common in formal reviews, criticism, and academic discussions of the arts. Takes the structure 'interpreter of + work or creator' (e.g. 'an interpreter of Mozart', 'an interpreter of the lead role'). Does not refer to casual or everyday performances.

Common Mistakes

She is a great interpreter of pop songs at karaoke.
She is a great interpreter of Schubert's lieder.
This sense is used for formal or artistic interpretation, not casual performance.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words relate to language skills, but they describe different roles. An 'interpreter' works with spoken language in real time — at conferences, hospitals, or courtrooms. A 'translator' works with written texts such as books, contracts, or websites, and has time to revise and polish the output. A 'linguist' is a broader term for someone who studies language scientifically or speaks multiple languages fluently; not every linguist works as an interpreter or translator. For example: 'Ritu worked as an interpreter during the mayor's visit' (spoken, real-time) versus 'Ritu translated the mayor's speech for the newsletter' (written) versus 'Ritu is a trained linguist who speaks four languages' (general expertise).

interpreter ↗translator ↗linguist ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • act as an interpreter
  • serve as an interpreter

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word entered English in the 14th century from Old French 'interpretour', which came from Latin 'interpretari' meaning 'to explain, to translate'. The Latin root 'interpres' originally meant 'negotiator, agent, or go-between' — someone who stands between two parties. This idea of 'standing between' still fits all three modern senses: the interpreter stands between two languages, between a programmer and a machine, or between a composer and an audience.