Word
interpretive
Phoneticsin·ter·pre·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɝpɹətɪv/
UK/ɪntˈɜːpɹɪtˌɪv/
Definition
adj. related to explaining or showing the meaning of something. You use this to describe things like art, dance, or signs that help people understand a topic.
adj. relating to or providing an interpretation; serving to explain or clarify the meaning of a text, performance, or data set.
Examples
“The museum has many interpretive signs to explain the history.”
“The dancer performed an interpretive piece that represented the changing of the seasons through fluid movements.”
“Scholars often disagree on the interpretive framework used to analyze these ancient texts, as different cultural lenses can lead to vastly different conclusions.”
Examples
simple
“The museum has many interpretive signs to explain the history.”
contextual
“The dancer performed an interpretive piece that represented the changing of the seasons through fluid movements.”
complex
“Scholars often disagree on the interpretive framework used to analyze these ancient texts, as different cultural lenses can lead to vastly different conclusions.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often found in academic or artistic contexts.
Real-World Examples
“It’s now hard to believe, but the commonsense notion that one should begin the interpretive exercise with a document’s text and plain meaning was pretty much unheard of.” “At the same time, while I approach this topic with a set of interpretive tools in hand, I don’t believe my charting of grief in these shows can simply be chalked up to interpretation.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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