French word

interpréter

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɛʁpʁete/

Meaning

  • verbinterpret

Example

Comment interprètes-tu ce message ?

How do you interpret this message?

Illustration for interpréter (interpret)

More examples

Elle a interprété ce texte de façon personnelle.

She interpreted this text in her own way.

Core concept

A mediator stands between a message and its audience, making the message meaningful through explanation, translation, or performance.

Common phrases

  • interpréter un texte

    interpret a text

  • interpréter les gestes

    interpret the gestures

Similar words

comprendre: To grasp the meaning or content of words or events.
expliquer: To explain the reasons or workings of something clearly.
traduire: To render words or a text in another language.

Definition in French

Expliquer le sens d'un message ou d'un texte, traduire oralement pour quelqu'un, ou proposer une lecture personnelle d'une œuvre par le jeu.

Word origin

French interpréter comes through Old French from Latin interpretari, a verb for explaining or translating as an intermediary, and it later includes performing or giving a personal reading.

Usage tips

  • In Comment interprètes-tu ce message?, interpréter asks how the message is understood or read, not specifically for an oral translation.

Other meanings

  • playverb

Related words

Word lists with this word