interpretS

Interprets is the third-person singular present tense of the verb interpret. Interpret has several related senses: to explain the meaning of something; to translate spoken language orally; and to understand or construe something in a particular way. The form "interprets" is used with singular subjects such as she, he, or an organization, as in "The guide interprets ancient symbols for visitors."

Etymology: Interpret originates from Latin interpretari "to explain, translate," through Old French interpreter and Middle English into modern English.

Uses and senses: In language services, the noun interpreter refers to a person who translates spoken language orally. Interpreting can be done in modes such as simultaneous interpretation, where the interpreter speaks in real time, or consecutive interpretation, where interpretation follows a speaker’s pauses. In research, to interpret data means to draw meaning from observations, often by analyzing patterns or testing hypotheses. In law and philosophy, interpretation concerns determining the intended meaning of statutes, texts, or arguments.

Notes: Interpreting differs from translating; translation renders written text, while interpreting handles spoken language in real time or near-real time. The phrase "interprets" therefore appears across disciplines whenever an actor assigns meaning to data, language, or signals.

Related terms: interpreter, interpretation, interpretive.