Interpretation Meaning
Interpretation Definition & Usage
The act or process of interpreting something; understanding or explaining its meaning.
Examples
- "The interpretation of ancient texts requires knowledge of both the language and the cultural context."
- "She gave a brilliant interpretation of the role, making the character come to life."
- "The interpreter’s job is to provide a clear interpretation of the speaker’s words in another language."
- "Different cultural backgrounds can lead to varying interpretations of the same event."
- "The interpretation of dreams is often considered an art form in psychology."
A legal or official explanation of a document or regulation.
Examples
- "The interpretation of the law in this case is clear and straightforward."
- "A judge’s interpretation of the constitution can influence the ruling of a case."
- "The interpretation of the contract terms was disputed by both parties."
- "The committee sought legal advice on the interpretation of the new regulations."
- "Due to differing interpretations of the law, the verdict was appealed."
The personal expression or style of performing a piece of music, dance, or theatrical work.
Examples
- "His interpretation of the Beethoven sonata was both passionate and precise."
- "The dancer's interpretation of the choreography added a new layer of emotion."
- "The director encouraged actors to bring their own interpretation to the script."
- "Critics praised her interpretation of the role for its depth and complexity."
- "Different conductors bring unique interpretations to the same symphony."
Cultural Context
Interpretation is a multifaceted term with applications in fields as varied as language, law, art, and psychology. Its roots lie in the Latin word 'interpretatio', which denotes the act of explaining or translating. Over time, the term has come to encompass a wide range of activities, from translating languages to expressing personal creativity in performances.
The Interpreted Performance
Story
The Interpreted Performance
In a quiet theater, an audience awaited the premier of a new play by the famous playwright Adrian Silvestri. The director, Eliza, had given her actors complete freedom to interpret the script in their own unique ways, something that made the production a highly anticipated event. As the lights dimmed and the play began, the first scene unfolded with an unexpected energy. Olivia, who played the lead, had infused the character with a layer of sorrow that wasn’t immediately obvious in the text. Her interpretation was subtle, but it conveyed a deeper emotional depth than anyone had expected. Behind the scenes, Adrian watched with a thoughtful expression. He had written the play with a certain meaning in mind, but as he observed Olivia’s performance, he began to see it from a new angle. Her interpretation was different, yet it seemed to make perfect sense, a new dimension to the characters’ relationships. Later, in a post-show discussion, the audience was divided. Some loved Olivia’s interpretation, while others felt that it strayed too far from the original intent. One critic noted that 'interpretation is subjective; the actor’s role is to breathe life into the text, not simply repeat it'. Another audience member, more skeptical, felt that some artistic liberties should be limited. Adrian smiled at the lively debate. He realized that no matter how much he tried to control the message, the audience and the performers would always bring their own interpretations to the work. This was what made theater a living, breathing art form. As the night wore on, Eliza joined Adrian backstage. 'What did you think of the performance?' she asked. 'It was remarkable,' Adrian replied. 'I’m amazed at how much can be said with just a few words and gestures. But I also realize that interpretation is not a fixed thing—it changes, it evolves, just like the audience’s understanding.' Eliza nodded, 'Exactly. The beauty of theater is that it invites endless interpretations, each one valid in its own right.' In the end, the play’s success wasn’t just in the story itself, but in the different ways it was interpreted by both the actors and the audience. Interpretation, as Adrian had learned, wasn’t about finding one 'correct' meaning—it was about the conversation it sparked and the connections it created between everyone involved.
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