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.
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.
To act as an interpreter. Shak.
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