interpret
UK[ɪnˈtɜːprɪt]US[ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt]
v
to explain the meaning of something
v
to translate spoken words from one language into another
v
to understand something in a particular way
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
pret
inter
between
pret
price, value
Etymology
The word 'interpret' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'interpreter' and directly from Latin 'interpretari', meaning "to explain, expound, understand". The Latin verb was derived from 'interpres', meaning "an agent, translator, go-between". This noun itself is a compound of 'inter-' ("between") and the second element related to pretium ("price"). The original sense was that of a broker or mediator who explains terms and establishes value between parties. Over time, the meaning broadened from the specific commercial act of mediation to the general acts of explaining, translating, and assigning meaning, reflecting the core idea of extracting and conveying value or sense from one form to another.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between) + pret (price, value)
- inter: Latin origin, meaning "between, among". A prefix indicating reciprocal or intermediate action.
- pret: From Latin pretium, meaning "price, value, worth". This root appears in words like "appraise" and "precious".
Examples
The judge must interpret the law correctly.
She interpreted for the delegates during the summit.
His silence was interpreted as a sign of guilt.