In‐ter″pret (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Interpreted; p. pr. & vb. n.Interpreting.] [F. interprêter, L. interpretari, p. p. interpretatus, fr. interpres interpeter, agent, negotiator; inter between + (prob.) the root of pretium price. See Price.]
1. To explain or tell the meaning of; to expound; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms; to decipher; to define; — applied esp. to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman; to interpret an Indian speech.
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matt. i. 23.
And Pharaoh told them his dreams; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. Gen. xli. 8.
2. To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation; as, an actor interprets the character of Hamlet; a musician interprets a sonata; an artist interprets a landscape.
Syn. — To translate; explain; solve; render; expound; elucidate; decipher; unfold; unravel.