v., -pret·ed, -pret·ing, -prets. v.tr.
- To explain the meaning of: interpreted the ambassador's remarks. See synonyms at explain.
- To conceive the significance of; construe: interpreted his smile to be an agreement; interpreted the open door as an invitation.
- To present or conceptualize the meaning of by means of art or criticism.
- To translate orally.
- To offer an explanation.
- 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.]
interpretability in·ter'pret·a·bil'i·ty or in·ter'pret·a·ble·ness n.interpretable in·ter'pret·a·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
