What does interpretation mean?
An interpretation is an explanation or understanding of what a word, text, image, event, or work means. It may involve interpreting a text, identifying the significance of evidence, explaining a cultural practice, or presenting a dramatic or artistic work. The term often suggests that meaning depends partly on perspective, context, and method rather than being entirely self-evident. In academic and legal writing, an interpretation is a careful account of how language or rules should be understood; in the arts, it describes a performer's or director's rendering of a work. Although interpretation can sometimes sound formal, it is widely used in ordinary discussion of books, films, history, and current events. It is especially useful for distinguishing what something literally says from what it means in context.
nounThe act of explaining the meaning or significance of something, especially by considering its context, evidence, or underlying intentions. It can also refer to a particular way of understanding or rendering something.
- The explanation or meaning assigned to a word, text, event, image, or other work.
- A particular way of understanding or construing something.
- The rendering of a dramatic, musical, or artistic work by a performer or director.
- The act of interpreting a work, text, or situation.
- A legal or interpretive reading of a rule, statute, contract, or other text.
"The interpretation of the painting changed dramatically when its historical context was revealed."
"Her interpretation of the evidence was more cautious than that of the investigators."
"The production offers a stark interpretation of the play, relocating it to a modern city."
Used when a text, event, or work admits more than one explanation or rendering.
"The novel has spawned many interpretations of its central character's motives."
A single work can support many interpretations: the meaning often lies as much in the reader's perspective as in the text itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interpretation come from?
The word comes from Latin interpretatio, meaning “an explanation” or “interpretation,” which was derived from interpretari, “to explain” or “to interpret.” The Latin verb developed from roots associated with inter-, “between,” and pretium, “price” or “value,” reflecting the idea of giving a value or meaning to something. English borrowed the noun in the 15th century, and the related forms interpret, interpreter, and interpretive developed from the same Latin source.
How interpretation is actually used
The word is common in academic, legal, artistic, and analytical contexts. In discussion of a text or event, it often implies that more than one reading may be defensible.
Easily confused with interpretation
An interpretation explains or construes the meaning of something, whereas a translation usually renders a text from one language into another.
An interpretation is a particular understanding or rendering of a work, while a performance is the act of presenting that work to an audience.