interpret
gb/ɪntˈɚpɹət/ us/ɪntˈɚpɹət/
B1
English
~ 2200
értelmez, magyaráz, tolmácsol, szinkrontolmácsol, felfog, vesz
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to interpret [something]
The teacher interpreted the poem for the students.
A tanár értelmezte a verset a diákoknak.
Can you interpret what he meant by that comment?
Tudod értelmezni, mire gondolt azzal a megjegyzéssel?
The guide interpreted the ancient inscriptions for the group.
Learner examples
She interpreted the story for the class.
Értelmezte a történetet az osztálynak.
He interpreted my words in a different way.
Másképp értelmezte a szavaimat.
The lawyer interpreted the law for us.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'interpret' with 'translate'. 'Interpret' can mean explaining meaning in the same language, while 'translate' means changing words into another language.
Meaning
Explain the meaning of something
Collocations
interpret a message
|interpret a speech
|interpret a text
|interpret the results
|interpret the law
Synonyms
explain (More general; to make something clear without necessarily analyzing it.)
|
clarify (Focuses on making something easier to understand, often by removing confusion.)
Antonyms
misinterpret (To understand or explain something incorrectly.)
Themes
communication
|language
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To explain the meaning of words, actions, or information.
To explain or present the meaning of spoken or written words, actions, or information.
VERB
B2
2
tolmácsol
B1
Usage pattern:
to interpret [speech/conversation] from [language] to [language]
She interpreted for the visiting president during the meeting.
A megbeszélésen ő tolmácsolt a látogató elnöknek.
The company hired someone to interpret from English to Japanese.
A cég felvett valakit, hogy angolról japánra tolmácsoljon.
He interpreted the conversation between the two leaders.
Learner examples
She interpreted my words into French.
Franciára tolmácsolta a szavaimat.
He can interpret English into Spanish very fast.
Nagyon gyorsan tud angolról spanyolra tolmácsolni.
The woman will interpret for us at the meeting.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that 'interpret' in this sense is mainly for spoken language and often in real time, unlike written translation.
Meaning
Translate spoken language instantly
Collocations
interpret for a diplomat
|interpret in court
|interpret at a conference
Synonyms
translate (General term for changing words from one language to another; not always instant or spoken.)
Antonyms
remain silent (Not providing any translation or speech.)
Themes
communication
|language
|travel
|education
Definition
To change spoken words from one language into another right away.
To translate spoken words from one language into another in real time.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to interpret [something] as [something]
I interpreted his silence as agreement.
A hallgatását beleegyezésként értelmeztem.
They interpreted the results as proof of their theory.
Az eredményeket az elméletük bizonyítékaként értelmezték.
She interpreted his smile as a sign of approval.
Learner examples
I interpreted his words as a joke.
A szavait viccnek vettem.
She interpreted my look as anger.
A pillantásomat haragként értelmezte.
They interpreted the noise as danger.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with explaining meaning to others; here it is about personal understanding, not explanation.
Meaning
Understand something in a certain way
Collocations
interpret as a compliment
|interpret as a threat
|interpret data as evidence
Synonyms
perceive (Focuses more on how something is seen or experienced by someone.)
|
construe (Formal term for interpreting words or actions in a specific way.)
Antonyms
ignore (To choose not to give meaning or attention to something.)
Themes
thinking
|opinions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To understand something in your own way.
To understand or judge the meaning of something based on personal ideas or perspective.
Grammar
Dictionary form
interpret
IPA
GB/ɪntˈɚpɹət/
US/ɪntˈɚpɹət/
Syllables & stress
in - ter - pret (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: interpret
- 3rd Person Singular: interprets
- Present Participle: interpreting
- Past: interpreted
Word family
Forms
interprets
verb
interpreting
verb
interpreted
verb
Core family
interpretation
noun B1
interpreter
noun B1
Related words
interpretive
adjective
reinterpret
verb
Negative and opposite forms
misinterpret
verb
misinterpretation
noun
Advanced or less common
interpretable
adjective
uninterpretable
adjective
Expressions
interpret as
1/ɪntˈɚpɹət ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Understand something in a specific way
To understand something as having a certain meaning.
Examples
- She interpreted his comment as an insult.
- I wouldn't interpret his delay as a lack of interest.
interpret for someone
1/ɪntˈɚpɹət fɚ sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
Translate spoken words for someone instantly
To change what someone says into another language right away for them.
Examples
- She will interpret for the guest during the interview.
- He interpreted for the doctor and patient.
open to interpretation
1/ˈoʊpən tə ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Able to be understood differently
Something that can be understood in more than one way.
Examples
- The ending of the movie is open to interpretation.
- His message was vague and open to interpretation.
open to interpretation
2/ˈoʊpən tə ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
can be understood differently
Something that can have more than one meaning or explanation.
Examples
- The ending of the movie is open to interpretation.
- His words are open to interpretation, so be careful.