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Translation

Also found in: English - Vietnamese

interpret

/in'tə:prit/
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The word "interpret" is a verb that means to understand or explain the meaning of something. It can be used in a few different ways, which we'll explore together.

Basic Meaning:
  1. Understanding Language: When you interpret, you make sense of a language that you understand. For example, if someone speaks French and you understand it, you can interpret what they are saying.

    • Example: Can you interpret this French sentence for me?
  2. Translating Languages: You can also interpret by translating words from one language to another. For instance, if your in-laws visit from Austria and speak German, you might need to interpret for them when they communicate in English.

    • Example: I have to translate when my in-laws from Austria visit the U.S.
  3. Explaining or Giving Meaning: Interpret can also mean to explain the meaning of something, like a text or a piece of art. You can interpret a poem or a painting by discussing what it represents or the feelings it conveys.

    • Example: How do you interpret his behavior in the meeting?
Advanced Usage:
  • Artistic Interpretation: In the context of art or music, to interpret means to present or perform a piece in a way that expresses your personal understanding or feelings about it.
    • Example: She rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully, showing her unique interpretation of the music.
Word Variants:
  • Interpreter (noun): A person who interprets spoken words or translates languages.
    • Example: The interpreter helped the delegates communicate during the conference.
  • Interpretation (noun): The act of interpreting; it can also refer to your personal understanding of something.
    • Example: His interpretation of the poem was very insightful.
Different Meanings:
  1. Literal Interpretation: Understanding words and phrases in their most direct sense.
  2. Figurative Interpretation: Understanding deeper meanings, symbolism, or emotions behind words or actions.
Synonyms:
  • Translate
  • Explain
  • Clarify
  • Decipher
  • Render (in the context of art or music)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • "Interpret between the lines": To understand the deeper or hidden meaning of something that is not directly stated.
  • "Interpret the signs": To make sense of clues or indicators in a situation.
Conclusion:

In summary, "interpret" is a versatile word that can refer to understanding languages, translating them, or explaining meanings. It can apply to conversations, artistic performances, and texts.

Verb
  1. make sense of a language
    • She understands French
    • Can you read Greek?
  2. restate (words) from one language into another language
    • I have to translate when my in-laws from Austria visit the U.S.
    • Can you interpret the speech of the visiting dignitaries?
    • She rendered the French poem into English
    • He translates for the U.N.
  3. create an image or likeness of
    • The painter represented his wife as a young girl
  4. give an interpretation or rendition of
    • The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully
  5. give an interpretation or explanation to
  6. make sense of; assign a meaning to
    • What message do you see in this letter?
    • How do you interpret his behavior?

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