# interpret away

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interpret-away
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.