In*ter"pret, v. i. To act as an
interpreter. Shak.
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.