What does interpreting mean?
Interpreting means explaining the meaning of something that may be unclear, complicated, or open to more than one reading. It is also used for translating speech from one language into another. In ordinary discussion, interpreting can refer to understanding a difficult text, making sense of data, explaining signs or symbols, or analyzing the significance of an event. The word can imply careful analysis rather than a superficial response, especially in contexts such as interpreting evidence or interpreting ambiguity. It is also used in legal, religious, artistic, and linguistic settings, including interpreting contracts, dreams, performances, and conversations. As the present participle of the verb interpret, it appears in continuous and perfect constructions and can also serve as a gerund naming an activity. Its usefulness lies in its connection with interpretation, a process in which information becomes understandable without requiring that uncertainty disappear entirely.
To explain the meaning or significance of something, especially something unclear or open to more than one interpretation.
"The guide interpreted the symbols on the ancient wall."
Common in academic, legal, religious, linguistic, and analytical contexts.
To translate speech from one language into another, often at the same time as the original speaker.
"A fluent interpreter was assigned to interpret the meeting."
This sense is especially common in professional and diplomatic settings.
Interpreting is the act of giving meaning to what is not immediately clear, whether in language, data, art, or a dream.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interpreting come from?
The word derives from Latin interpretari, meaning “to explain” or “to interpret,” formed from inter-, “between,” and pretus, a form related to prae-, “before.” English borrowed the form in the late 16th century in senses involving explanation and later translation. The related English forms interpretation, interpretive, and interpreter developed from the same Latin root and reflect its continuing use for explaining meaning and mediating between languages.
Related word forms
How interpreting is actually used
As the present participle of interpret, it is commonly used after forms of the auxiliary verb “be,” as in “is interpreting,” and can also function as a gerund, as in “interpreting the results.”