interpretation
gb/ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/ us/ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
explanation of meaning
An explanation of what something means.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s interpretation of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'interpretation' with 'translation'; translation changes language, interpretation explains meaning.
Synonyms
explanation (A general term for making something clear; less formal than 'interpretation'.)
|
analysis (A detailed examination, often broader than just explaining meaning.)
Antonyms
misinterpretation (An incorrect explanation or understanding of meaning.)
Collocations
give an interpretation
|different interpretations
|interpretation of the law
|personal interpretation
Themes
communication
|language
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her interpretation of the poem was different from mine.
- The lawyer's interpretation of the contract surprised everyone.
- Cultural background can influence one's interpretation of events.
- The teacher offered her own interpretation of the novel.
- Scholars have debated the correct interpretation of this ancient text.
Learner examples
- My interpretation of the story is different.
- He gave his interpretation of the rule.
- We discussed our interpretations in class.
- The guide gave an interpretation of the painting.
Noun
B2
action
2
artistic performance or rendering
The way someone performs music, acts, or shows art.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s interpretation of [a work]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'translation' in art; here it refers to style and presentation, not changing words.
Synonyms
rendition (A specific performance or version, often in music.)
|
performance (The act of presenting art; broader than 'interpretation'.)
Antonyms
original creation (A completely new work rather than a performance of an existing one.)
Collocations
musical interpretation
|interpretation of a role
|unique interpretation
|modern interpretation
Themes
arts
|music
|theatre
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- Her interpretation of Hamlet was powerful and emotional.
- The pianist's interpretation of Chopin was widely praised.
- Each actor brings a different interpretation to the same role.
- His modern interpretation of the classic play divided critics.
- The conductor’s interpretation gave the piece new energy.
Learner examples
- I liked her interpretation of the song.
- He gave a soft interpretation of the music.
- The actor's interpretation was very funny.
- They showed a modern interpretation of the play.
Noun
technical
B2
action
3
real-time spoken translation
The job or act of changing spoken words into another language immediately.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'interpretation' with 'translation'; translation is usually written, while interpretation is spoken in real time.
Synonyms
interpreting (The professional term for real-time spoken translation.)
Antonyms
written translation (Changing written text from one language to another, not spoken.)
Collocations
simultaneous interpretation
|consecutive interpretation
|provide interpretation services
Themes
language
|business
|travel
|communication
|education
Examples
- She provided simultaneous interpretation at the conference.
- Interpretation is essential for international meetings.
- The meeting required interpretation between English and Japanese.
- He works in court interpretation for non-English speakers.
Learner examples
- She did interpretation at the meeting.
- We needed interpretation for the talk.
- He works in interpretation at the airport.
Grammar
Dictionary form
interpretation
IPA
GB/ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
US/ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - ter - pret - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (pret)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: interpretation
- Plural: interpretation, interpretations
Word family
Forms
interpretations
noun
Core family
interpret
verb B1
interpreter
noun B1
Related words
interpretive
adjective
interpretative
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
misinterpret
verb
misinterpretation
noun
Advanced or less common
interpretable
adjective
reinterpret
verb
reinterpretation
noun
Expressions
leave room for interpretation
1/lˈiv ɹˈum fɚ ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
allow multiple meanings
To say something in a way that people can understand differently.
Examples
- The vague rules leave room for interpretation.
- Her answer leaves room for interpretation by the audience.
subject to interpretation
1/sˈʌbd͡ʒɪkt tə ɪntˌɚpɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
depends on understanding
Meaning can change depending on how it is explained or understood.
Examples
- The law is subject to interpretation by the courts.
- These results are subject to interpretation by experts.
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.