# interpreting

/ˈɪntɝˌpɹɛtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɪntˈɜːpɹɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interpreting
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. oral translation

noun · CEFR B2

the job or act of translating spoken words from one language to another while someone is talking.

For teachers: the professional activity of facilitating oral or sign-language communication between speakers of different languages in real time.

- The conference provided simultaneous interpreting for all the international guests.
- Consecutive interpreting requires the linguist to take detailed notes while the speaker pauses, ensuring no nuance of the original message is lost.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the profession or field of study.

### 2. explaining meaning

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of explaining or deciding on the meaning of something like a law, a dream, or a piece of art.

For teachers: the act of explaining or clarifying the meaning of something obscure or artistic; a synonym for interpretation.

- The interpreting of these ancient laws has caused many arguments among historians.
- The interpreting of the data required a deep understanding of both statistical methods and the specific cultural context of the survey participants.

## Examples

- She works in interpreting for the United Nations.
- The conference provided simultaneous interpreting so that all delegates could follow the debate in their native languages.
- Professional interpreting requires not only linguistic fluency but also the cognitive stamina to process and reformulate complex ideas within seconds of hearing them.

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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.