English Reference

Phrasal verb

interpret away

Definition

phrasal verb. to explain a problem or a fact in a way that makes it seem unimportant. You use this when someone tries to make a difficulty disappear by giving a clever reason for it.

phrasal verb. to dismiss a contradiction or inconvenient piece of evidence by subjecting it to a specific, often reductive, interpretation. This phrasal verb implies that the explanation is a means of avoiding a difficult truth.

Examples

“Don't try to interpret away the facts just because they are inconvenient.”

“The company's spokesperson tried to interpret away the drop in sales by blaming the unusually cold weather.”

“The philosopher was accused of trying to interpret away the inherent contradictions of his theory rather than revising his core premises to account for them.”

Examples

simple

“Don't try to interpret away the facts just because they are inconvenient.”

contextual

“The company's spokesperson tried to interpret away the drop in sales by blaming the unusually cold weather.”

complex

“The philosopher was accused of trying to interpret away the inherent contradictions of his theory rather than revising his core premises to account for them.”

Usage

This is a transitive phrasal verb that usually takes abstract nouns like 'difficulty', 'problem', or 'evidence' as its object.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'explain away'; while 'explain away' is more common, 'interpret away' specifically suggests a more deliberate, analytical, or scholarly attempt to dismiss evidence.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

optional

Pattern

interpret (+ object) + away

Synonyms

explain awaydismissrationalizegloss over

Antonyms

acknowledgeconfrontaddress

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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