interpretation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something
    reading; version.
  2. noun the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
    rendition; rendering.
    • her rendition of Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving
  3. noun an explanation that results from interpreting something
    • the report included his interpretation of the forensic evidence
  4. noun an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious
    rendition; interpreting; rendering.
    • the edict was subject to many interpretations
    • he annoyed us with his interpreting of parables
    • often imitations are extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's intended meaning

WordNet

In*ter`pre*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. interpretatio: cf. F. interprétation.
Definitions
  1. The act of interpreting; explanation of what is obscure; translation; version; construction; as, the interpretation of a foreign language, of a dream, or of an enigma.
    Look how we can, or sad or merrily, Interpretation will misquote our looks. Shak.
  2. The sense given by an interpreter; exposition or explanation given; meaning; as, commentators give various interpretations of the same passage of Scripture.
  3. The power or explaining. R. Bacon.
  4. (Fine Arts) An artist's way of expressing his thought or embodying his conception of nature.
  5. (Math.) The act or process of applying general principles or formulæ to the explanation of the results obtained in special cases. Syn. -- Explanation; solution; translation; version; sense; exposition; rendering; definition.

Webster 1913