interpretation

/ɪnˌtɜːprəˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˌtɜːrprəˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən -pə-/ (ame, mw)

interpretation — noun

  • interpretationsingular
  • interpretationsplural

1. the meaning that a person gives to a statement, action, event, or situation base

1.名詞B2
釋義

the meaning that a person gives to a statement, action, event, or situation based on their own understanding or point of view

例句

Eve's interpretation of the poem focused on themes of loss and memory.

interpretation of [text] + thematic focus

The lawyer gave a strict interpretation of the contract's terms.

strict interpretation of [document]

同義詞
  • explanation

    more neutral and factual; interpretation adds a personal viewpoint

  • reading

    more informal; often used for analyzing literature or situations

  • understanding

    focuses on mental grasp rather than expressed explanation

文法句型

interpretation of [something]

different interpretations of [something]

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'of' to name what is being interpreted. Often used with adjectives such as strict, broad, literal, or personal to describe the nature of the explanation.

常見錯誤

❌Can you give me an interpretation of this letter into Chinese?
✅Can you give me a translation of this letter into Chinese?
💡interpretation explains meaning in the same language; translation changes languages.

2. the individual style or approach that an actor, musician, or dancer brings to a

2.名詞B2
釋義

the individual style or approach that an actor, musician, or dancer brings to a performance, shaping how the audience experiences the work

例句

The pianist's interpretation of the sonata was much slower than expected.

musical interpretation of [piece]

Nora's interpretation of Lady Macbeth earned her excellent reviews.

theatrical interpretation of [role]

同義詞
  • rendition

    more formal; often used for music or song performances

  • reading

    used for spoken-word performances or literary readings

  • version

    broader term; can apply to any particular form or arrangement

文法句型

interpretation of [creative work]

[adjective] interpretation of [piece/role]

用法筆記

Common with adjectives describing style (modern, traditional, original, classical). Unlike the EXPLANATION OF MEANING sense, this sense is specific to creative and performing arts contexts.

常見錯誤

❌Her interpretation of the meeting showed she was not paying attention.
✅Her account of the meeting showed she was not paying attention.
💡interpretation refers to artistic performance, not personal reports of events.