interpretation
UK[ɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃn]US[ɪnˌtɜːrprɪˈteɪʃn]
n
The way in which someone explains or understands an event, information, or someone's actions.
n
A particular way of performing a piece of music, a role in a play, etc., that shows how the performer understands it.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
pret
ation
inter
between, among
pret
price, value
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'interpretation' originates from the Latin verb interpretari, meaning "to explain, expound, understand," which itself is derived from interpres, an agent noun signifying "an explainer, negotiator." The core of interpres combines the prefix inter- ("between") with the second element related to pretium ("price, value"), suggesting the original sense of acting as a commercial intermediary or broker who establishes value between parties. Over time, this concrete notion of mediating between two sides to determine worth evolved into the more abstract concept of explaining meaning, translating languages, or elucidating significance. Thus, the modern meaning retains the core idea of acting as a mediating agent to establish understanding or assign meaning between a source (like a text, event, or data) and an audience.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between, among) + pret (price, value) + ation (noun suffix)
- inter: Latin origin, meaning "between, among". Functions as a prefix.
- pret: From Latin pretium, meaning "price, value, worth". Functions as a root.
- ation: Latin-derived suffix forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
His interpretation of the data led to a different conclusion.
The violinist gave a passionate interpretation of the sonata.
The law is often subject to judicial interpretation.