interpretive
UK: ɪnˈtɜː.prə.tɪv | US: ɪnˈtɜːr.prə.tɪv
adj. relating to or providing an interpretation
adj. serving to explain or analyze
The word "interpretive" derives from the Latin interpretari ("to explain, translate"), combining inter- ("between") + pretium ("price, value"), suggesting the act of mediating meaning. The suffix -ive (from Latin -ivus) forms adjectives indicating a tendency or function. Over time, "interpretive" evolved to describe anything that clarifies or analyzes, especially in artistic, legal, or scholarly contexts.
The museum's interpretive signs helped visitors understand the historical artifacts.
Her interpretive dance conveyed emotions more powerfully than words.
The judge's ruling included an interpretive analysis of the law.
The book offers an interpretive framework for modern poetry.
Scientists presented an interpretive model of the experimental data.