interpret
UK: ɪnˈtɜː.prɪt | US: ɪnˈtɜːr.prɪt
vt. to explain or translate the meaning of something
vt. to understand or give one's own meaning to something
vi. to act as an interpreter (translating speech orally)
interpret = inter<between> + pret<price/meaning>
- inter (Latin: "between, among")
Retains its original sense of mediation or bridging gaps. - pret (Latin: pretium, "price, value"; later extended to "meaning" in Medieval Latin)
Evolved from literal "value" to abstract "interpretation" in legal/linguistic contexts.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin interpretari ("explain, translate"), the word originally tied commercial valuation (pretium) to mediation (inter-). By the 14th century, it shifted to linguistic/legal explanation—reflecting how interpreters "negotiate meaning" between parties or languages. The root pret subtly connects "value" and "meaning," highlighting interpretation as a act of assigning significance.
The lawyer will interpret the contract’s clauses for the client.
Artists often leave their work open for viewers to interpret freely.
She interpreted the diplomat’s speech from French to English.
His silence was interpreted as agreement.
The data can be interpreted in multiple ways.