# interpreted

/ˌɪnˈtɝpɹətəd/ (US) · /ɪntˈɜːpɹɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interpreted
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. explained or understood

verb · CEFR B2

explained the meaning of something or understood it in a specific way.

For teachers: explained the meaning of information, words, or actions; often implies a subjective or analytical understanding.

- The teacher interpreted the difficult poem for the students.
- The historian interpreted the ancient inscriptions as evidence of a sophisticated trade network that spanned the entire continent.

Usage: Often used with 'as' to show the specific meaning assigned to something.

### 2. translated spoken words

verb · CEFR B2

translated what someone said into another language while they were speaking.

For teachers: provided an oral translation of spoken words from one language to another in real time.

- She interpreted the diplomat's speech for the local news reporters.
- The professional linguist interpreted the witness's testimony during the trial to ensure the jury understood every nuance of the statement.

### 3. run directly by a program

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes computer code that is read and followed directly by a program rather than being changed into a file first.

For teachers: pertaining to a programming language or script that is executed by an interpreter rather than being compiled into machine code beforehand.

- Python is a popular interpreted language used by many beginners.
- Because the script is interpreted at runtime, it may execute more slowly than a compiled binary, though it offers greater flexibility for cross-platform development.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun 'language' or 'script'.

## Examples

- She interpreted his silence as a sign of agreement.
- The data can be interpreted in several ways depending on which statistical model the researcher chooses to apply.
- Legal scholars have long debated how the original text should be interpreted in light of modern social values that the authors could not have possibly anticipated.

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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.