What is "interpreting"

Interpret \In*ter"pret\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Interpreted; p. pr. & vb. n. Interpreting.] [F. interpr[^e]ter, L. interpretari, p. p. interpretatus, fr. interpres interpeter, agent, negotiator; inter between + (prob.) the root of pretium price. See Price.]

1. 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.

2. 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.

   Syn: To translate; explain; solve; render; expound; elucidate; decipher; unfold; unravel.

alt. (present participle of interpret English) n. interpretation vb. (present participle of interpret English)

n. 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, rendition, rendering]