interpret

(in-tér’pret), v. [ OF. interpreter, F. interpréter = Pr. inter pre tar, enter pre tar = Sp. Pg. inter pre tar = It. interpret are, ¢pad7, understanding, ¢pdovc, speech: see phrase.] I, trans. 1, To expound the meaning or significance of, as by translation or explanation; elucidate or unfold, as foreign or obscure language, a mystery, ete.; make plain or intelligible. There were none that could interpret them [his dreams] to Pharaoh, Gen, xli. 15. Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us, Mat. i. 23, A third in ets motions, looks, and eyes. ee "Pope, b. of the L., iii. 15. 2. To show the purport of; develop or make clear by representation: as, to interpret a drama or a character by action on the stage.—38. To construe; attribute a given meaning to: as, the company interpreted his silence unfavorably. Nothing new is free from detraction, and when Princes alter customes, even heavie to the subject, best ordinances are interpreted innovations. Habington, Castara, Author's Preface, No evil can befall the Par lament or Citty, but he positively interprets it a judgement upon them for his sake. Milton, Eikon ok las tes, xxvi. =Syn. 1. Render, Construe, ete. (see translate); Expound, Elucidate, etc. (see explain). II, in trans. To practise interpretation; make an interpretation or explanation; tell or determine what something signifies. Do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Cor. xii. 30, My former speeches have but hit your thoughts, Which can interpret further. Shak,, Macbeth, iii. 6, 2.