Langimage
English

interpret

|in/ter/pret|

B2

🇺🇸

/ɪnˈtɜrprɪt/

🇬🇧

/ɪnˈtɜːprɪt/

explain meaning

Etymology
Etymology Information

'interpret' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'interpretari,' where 'inter-' meant 'between' and 'pretari' meant 'to explain.'

Historical Evolution

'interpretari' transformed into the Old French word 'interpreten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'interpret' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to explain between parties,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to explain the meaning of something.

She was asked to interpret the poem.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to translate orally.

He can interpret between English and Japanese.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40