interpreter
gb/ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/ us/ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
B1
English
~ 7900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
person who translates spoken language
A person who quickly changes spoken or signed words from one language into another language so people can talk to each other.
Usage pattern:
[someone] works as an interpreter for [language/people]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'interpreter' with 'translator'. In everyday professional use, an interpreter works with spoken or signed language in real time, while a translator works mainly with written texts. Another common mistake is saying 'He is a translate' instead of 'He is an interpreter' or 'He is a translator'.
Synonyms
translator (Usually refers to someone who works with written texts; 'interpreter' normally works with spoken or signed language in real time.)
Antonyms
speaker (A speaker produces the original message in one language, while an interpreter renders that message into another language.)
Collocations
professional interpreter
|sign language interpreter
|court interpreter
|conference interpreter
|hire an interpreter
|qualified interpreter
Themes
language
|work
|travel
|communication
Examples
- We hired an interpreter to help with the meeting in Tokyo.
- The president spoke in Spanish, and the interpreter repeated his words in English.
- She works as a sign language interpreter at the hospital.
- Please speak slowly so the interpreter can keep up.
- During the trial, a court interpreter translated every question and answer for the defendant.
Learner examples
- I need an interpreter because I do not speak German.
- He is an interpreter for English and Chinese.
- The doctor talks, and the interpreter tells the patient the same thing in Spanish.
- They used a sign language interpreter at the concert.
- My sister wants to be an interpreter when she finishes school.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
program that executes source code
A computer program that reads your code and runs it line by line, without making a separate program file first.
Usage pattern:
[code] runs in an interpreter
Common mistake:
Learners often mix up 'interpreter' and 'compiler' when talking about how programming languages run. A compiler creates a separate program file first, but an interpreter usually runs the code directly. Another mistake is saying 'interpretator' instead of 'interpreter'.
Synonyms
script engine (Commonly used for systems that run scripting languages inside larger applications; not all interpreters are called script engines, but they play a similar role.)
Antonyms
compiler (A compiler translates source code into a separate executable file before running, while an interpreter executes the code directly without a separate build step.)
Collocations
Python interpreter
|JavaScript interpreter
|run in an interpreter
|interactive interpreter
|bytecode interpreter
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- The Python interpreter crashed when it hit a bug in the extension module.
- This language is usually run in an interpreter rather than compiled.
- You can test small code snippets quickly in the interactive interpreter.
- The script is slow because it runs through an interpreter instead of native machine code.
- Our tool embeds a JavaScript interpreter for user-defined rules.
Learner examples
- You must install the Python interpreter before you run this script.
- The code runs in an interpreter, so you do not need to compile it.
- An interpreter reads your program and does each step immediately.
- Many beginners start with a language that uses an interpreter.
- The online interpreter lets you try the code in your browser.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
person who explains or assigns meaning
A person who says what something means or how we should understand it, for example a text, a picture, a law, or a dream.
Usage pattern:
an interpreter of [texts/art/law/data]
Common mistake:
Learners may think this meaning always refers to language translation. In this sense, 'interpreter' means someone who explains the meaning of something, not someone who changes it into another language.
Synonyms
commentator (Suggests someone who explains or gives opinions, especially on media or events; 'interpreter' can sound broader and more analytical or scholarly.)
Antonyms
creator (A creator makes the original work or idea, whereas an interpreter explains or assigns meaning to something that already exists.)
Collocations
interpreter of dreams
|interpreter of the law
|interpreter of data
|interpreter of history
|brilliant interpreter of Shakespeare
Themes
art
|law
|religion
|education
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- She is widely respected as a subtle interpreter of modern poetry.
- The judge must act as an interpreter of the law, not as a lawmaker.
- As an interpreter of data, he warned that the numbers were being misused.
- For many fans, he is the finest interpreter of Shakespeare on stage today.
- The prophet was seen as an interpreter of dreams and signs.
Learner examples
- The teacher is an interpreter of old stories for young students.
- Critics called her a great interpreter of classical music.
- The lawyer is an interpreter of the law for her clients.
- He works as an interpreter of data in a research group.
- In that village, the old woman was an interpreter of dreams.
Grammar
Dictionary form
interpreter
IPA
GB/ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
US/ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
Syllables & stress
in - ter - pret - er (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: interpreter
- Plural: interpreters
Word family
Forms
interpreters
noun
Core family
interpret
verb B1
interpretation
noun B1
Related words
interpretive
adjective
interpretative
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
misinterpret
verb
misinterpretation
noun
Advanced or less common
reinterpret
verb
reinterpretation
noun
Expressions
conference interpreter
1/kˈɑnfɚəns ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
fixed phrase
interpreter at conferences and meetings
An interpreter who translates at big meetings or conferences, often speaking at the same time as the main speaker.
Examples
- She is a conference interpreter who specializes in medical topics.
- Conference interpreters must prepare carefully by reading all the background documents.
court interpreter
1/kˈɔɹt ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
fixed phrase
interpreter working in court
An interpreter who translates spoken language in a court, for example during a trial or hearing.
Examples
- The defendant spoke only Spanish, so a court interpreter was provided.
- She trained for years before becoming a certified court interpreter.
professional interpreter
1/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
fixed phrase
trained interpreter who does it for work
An interpreter who has training and usually certificates, and who is paid to interpret as their job.
Examples
- For legal matters you should always use a professional interpreter.
- The company prefers to hire professional interpreters rather than ask staff to translate.
sign language interpreter
1/sˈaɪn lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
fixed phrase
person translating sign and speech
A person who changes sign language into spoken language, and spoken language into sign language, so deaf and hearing people can talk to each other.
Examples
- A sign language interpreter stood next to the mayor during the press conference.
- The concert will include a sign language interpreter for deaf audience members.
simultaneous interpreter
1/sˌaɪməltˈeɪniəs ɪntˈɚpɹətɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
interpreter translating with no delay
An interpreter who speaks in the other language at almost the same time as the original speaker, without waiting for pauses.
Examples
- As a simultaneous interpreter, he works in a soundproof booth with headphones.
- Simultaneous interpreters need excellent concentration and very quick thinking.