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.
Hear it pronounced