What does interpolated mean?
Interpolated means inserted between other elements or used to estimate values between known points. A writer may interpolate a quotation, clarification, or personal comment into a discussion, while a mathematician or computer program may interpolate values from surrounding data. The word can also function as an adjective describing material that has been inserted, such as an interpolated passage, or values calculated between known measurements. Although “interpolated” sometimes suggests alteration or addition, its literal sense is simply placement between other things. The term is especially useful because it identifies a specific kind of insertion or calculation rather than merely describing a change. It is somewhat formal and technical, so everyday speech will often use “inserted” or “added” instead.
To insert text, information, or another element between existing parts of a text, sequence, or process; also, to estimate values between known points.
"The statistician interpolated a value for the missing year from the surrounding data."
The mathematical sense is used especially when estimating an unknown value within the range of known values.
Inserted between other elements, or resulting from insertion or the estimation of intermediate values.
"The interpolated passage was clearly marked as an editorial addition."
Interpolated is the mathematical trick of estimating the values between two known points—and it also describes adding words precisely where they fit between other words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interpolated come from?
The verb derives from Latin interpolare, meaning “to furnish with an interlude” or “to insert,” formed from inter- (“between”) and polire (“to adorn” or “to polish”). English borrowed the verb in the 17th century, initially with the sense of inserting text or altering a document. The mathematical sense of estimating intermediate values developed later. Its cognates include interpose, from Latin interponere, and position, from Latin positio, both involving placement between or before other elements.
Related word forms
How interpolated is actually used
The word is formal and technical. In general prose, “insert” is often more natural; in mathematics, “interpolated” commonly refers to estimating a value within a known range.
Easily confused with interpolated
Interpolation estimates values within the range of known data, whereas extrapolation estimates values beyond that range.
Interpolation inserts material between existing elements, while interpretation explains the meaning of something already present.