What does "interpretation" mean?

1. (an explanation or understanding) the way that someone understands or explains something. 2. (artistic performance) the particular way an artist performs a piece of music or a role in a play. 3. (oral translation) the act of changing spoken words from one language into another. 4. (logic/math) the way values or meanings are given to symbols in a system.

How do you use "interpretation"?

Often uncountable when referring to the profession or field of study.

Is it correct to say "She works in written interpretation."?

No — say "She works in written translation.". In professional contexts, 'interpretation' refers to spoken or signed language, while 'translation' refers to written text.

interpretation

US //ˌɪnˌtɝpɹɪˈteɪʃən// UK //ɪntˌɜːpɹɪtˈeɪʃən// in·ter·pre·ta·tion

1 an explanation or understanding (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the way that someone understands or explains something.

an explanation or conceptualisation of the meaning or significance of something.

Example

The two lawyers had a different interpretation of the new law.

Example

The historian offered a radical new interpretation of the treaty, suggesting that the economic motives were far more significant than previously believed.
2 artistic performance (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Theatre

the particular way an artist performs a piece of music or a role in a play.

a performer's distinctive personal version or artistic rendering of a creative work.

Example

The pianist gave a beautiful interpretation of the classic song.

Example

Critics praised the actor's nuanced interpretation of Hamlet, noting how he balanced the character's indecision with sudden bursts of manic energy.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 oral translation (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Linguistics

the act of changing spoken words from one language into another.

the process of facilitating communication between speakers of different languages through oral or signed translation.

Example

The conference provided simultaneous interpretation in five different languages.

Example

Professional interpretation requires not only linguistic fluency but also a deep understanding of the cultural nuances inherent in both the source and target languages.

Usage

Often uncountable when referring to the profession or field of study.
- translating
Pitfall

She works in written interpretation.

She works in written translation.

In professional contexts, 'interpretation' refers to spoken or signed language, while 'translation' refers to written text.
4 logic/math (n.)
C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Math

the way values or meanings are given to symbols in a system.

an assignment of meaning or truth values to the symbols of a formal language or mathematical theory.

Example

In this logic puzzle, each symbol needs a specific interpretation to be true.

Example

The consistency of the formal system was demonstrated by providing a valid interpretation within the framework of Euclidean geometry.
- assignment
- mapping

Origin

From Middle English interpretacioun, from the Anglo-Norman form of Old French interpretacion, from Latin interpretātiō, noun of action from interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret, understand, conclude, infer, comprehend”). Morphologically interpret + -ation.