Langimage
English

interpreter

|in/ter/pret/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/ɪnˈtɜrprɪtər/

🇬🇧

/ɪnˈtɜːprɪtə/

language mediator

Etymology
Etymology Information

'interpreter' 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 'interpreteur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'interpreter' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

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

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who translates spoken words from one language to another.

The interpreter helped the tourists communicate with the locals.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a person who explains or clarifies something.

The art interpreter explained the symbolism in the painting.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40