# interpretation

/ˌɪnˌtɝpɹɪˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ɪntˌɜːpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interpretation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. an explanation or understanding

noun · CEFR B2

the way that someone understands or explains something.

For teachers: an explanation or conceptualisation of the meaning or significance of something.

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The pianist gave a beautiful interpretation of the classic song.
- Critics praised the actor's nuanced interpretation of Hamlet, noting how he balanced the character's indecision with sudden bursts of manic energy.

### 3. oral translation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The conference provided simultaneous interpretation in five different languages.
- 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.

### 4. logic/math

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

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

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

- In this logic puzzle, each symbol needs a specific interpretation to be true.
- The consistency of the formal system was demonstrated by providing a valid interpretation within the framework of Euclidean geometry.

## Examples

- Her interpretation of the poem was very different from mine.
- The lawyer argued that a strict interpretation of the contract did not allow the company to fire his client without warning.
- The pianist's radical interpretation of the sonata divided critics, with some praising its emotional depth and others condemning its departure from the composer's original tempo markings.

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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.