# interpreter

/ˌɪnˈtɝpɹətɝ/ (US) · /ɪntˈɜːpɹɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interpreter
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. language translator

noun · CEFR B2

a person who translates spoken words from one language into another as someone is speaking.

For teachers: a professional who facilitates communication between speakers of different languages by translating oral or signed discourse in real-time.

- The president spoke to the foreign visitors through a Japanese interpreter.
- The conference provided simultaneous interpreters for all six official languages to ensure that every delegate could participate in the debate without delay.

Usage: Often used with 'for' to indicate the person or group being assisted.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'translator'; emphasize that an interpreter works with live speech, not written documents.

### 2. artistic or data analyst

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

someone who explains the meaning of a piece of art, a law, or a set of facts.

For teachers: an individual who provides a specific explanation, version, or creative rendering of a work, text, or data set.

- She is a famous interpreter of classical music who plays with great emotion.
- As a leading interpreter of constitutional law, the judge was frequently called upon to clarify the original intent of the founding documents.

### 3. computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a computer program that reads and follows instructions in a programming language one line at a time.

For teachers: a computer program that directly executes instructions written in a programming or scripting language without requiring them to be previously compiled into machine code.

- Python uses an interpreter to run code, which makes it easy to test small changes quickly.
- The script failed because the local interpreter was an older version that did not support the latest syntax features.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun in technical documentation.

Teaching tip: Contrast this with a 'compiler', which translates the whole program before running it.

## Examples

- The interpreter helped the doctor and patient talk.
- A professional interpreter stood between the diplomats to ensure every nuance of the treaty was understood.
- In high-stakes international negotiations, the interpreter must convey not just the literal meaning but also the diplomatic tone and subtle intent of each speaker.

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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.