[syn: interpretation, interpreting, rendition, rendering]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Interpretation \In*ter`pre*ta"tion\
([i^]n*t[~e]r`pr[-e]*t[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. interpretatio:
cf. F. interpr['e]tation.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act of interpreting; explanation of what is obscure;
translation; version; construction; as, the interpretation
of a foreign language, of a dream, or of an enigma.
[1913 Webster]
Look how we can, or sad or merrily,
Interpretation will misquote our looks. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. The sense given by an interpreter; exposition or
explanation given; meaning; as, commentators give various
interpretations of the same passage of Scripture.
[1913 Webster]
3. The power or explaining. [R.] --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Fine Arts) An artist's way of expressing his thought or
embodying his conception of nature.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Math.) The act or process of applying general principles
or formul[ae] to the explanation of the results obtained
in special cases.
Syn: Explanation; solution; translation; version; sense;
exposition; rendering; definition.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
interpretation
n 1: a mental representation of the meaning or significance of
something [syn: interpretation, reading, version]
2: the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic
performance; "her rendition of Milton's verse was
extraordinarily moving" [syn: rendition, rendering,
interpretation]
3: an explanation that results from interpreting something; "the
report included his interpretation of the forensic evidence"
4: an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious;
"the edict was subject to many interpretations"; "he annoyed
us with his interpreting of parables"; "often imitations are
extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's
intended meaning" [syn: interpretation, interpreting,
rendition, rendering]