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Definition of interpretation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

        

    interpretation

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ɪnˌtərprəˈteɪʃn//
     
    [countable, uncountable]
     
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  1. 1the particular way in which something is understood or explained Her evidence suggests a different interpretation of the events. It is not possible for everyone to put their own interpretation on the law. Dreams are open to interpretation (= they can be explained in different ways). AWL Collocationsinterpretinterpret verb
    • be difficult to
    The results of the three studies are inconsistent and difficult to interpret.
    • ~ with caution
    The results of this study, however, should be interpreted with caution because of several methodological flaws.
    • ~ within a/the framework
    • ~ within a/the context
    The results should be interpreted within the context of a number of underlying assumptions.
    • be interpreted as
    Typographical errors may be reasonably interpreted as resulting from carelessness.
    • broadly
    • narrowly, strictly
    • cautiously
    • accurately, correctly
    • erroneously, incorrectly
    • variously
    Historians have variously interpreted the treaty's significance. The findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size.
    • data, finding, result
    • pattern
    • information
    • study
    • meaning
    • behavior
    • theory
    • text
    To interpret the results, it is important to understand how the study was organized.interpretation noun
    • broad
    • literal, narrow, strict
    • subjective
    • plausible
    • correct
    • erroneous
    Alexander Hamilton advocated a broad interpretation of the Constitution, which President George Washington endorsed.
    • be open to, be subject to
    Many ethical issues are complex and subject to multiple interpretations.
    • defy, preclude
    • complicate
    • confound, contradict
    • challenge, refute
    • favor, support
    The small sample size precludes further interpretation of this finding.misinterpret verb
    • easily
    • completely
    • willfully
    Every clinician is at risk of making an error when confusing or easily misinterpreted abbreviations or symbols are used.misinterpretation noun
    • common
    • gross, serious
    • deliberate
    • possible, potential
    These small misinterpretations would often lead to gross misinterpretations of the text as a whole.
    • be open to, be subject to
    • lead to, result in
    • be prone to
    • be based on, rest on
    • avoid, prevent
    Unfortunately, his conclusions rested on a misinterpretation of the data.
  2. 2the particular way in which someone chooses to perform a piece of music, a role in a play, etc. a modern interpretation of “King Lear”
See interpretation in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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