Interpreting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when converting one language to another or understanding the meaning of complex information.

• She was interpreting the speech for the audience.
• Interpreting the data correctly is essential for accurate results.

Used when making something clear or easy to understand by describing it in detail.

• Please explain how this machine works.
• The teacher will explain the concept in the next class.

This word is used when grasping the meaning, significance, or nature of something.

• I finally understand the math problem.
• Do you understand the importance of this decision?

This word is often used when figuring out a code or something that is difficult to understand.

• He had to decipher the encrypted message.
• It took me a while to decipher her handwriting.

Interpreting is typically used in situations where spoken language is being converted in real-time from one language to another. This often happens in meetings, conferences, and live broadcasts.

• She was interpreting for the delegations at the international summit.
• The company hired a professional for interpreting during the negotiation.

A translator specifically works with written text, converting content from one language to another. This term is often used in contexts involving books, documents, websites, and other forms of written material.

• The company needs a translator to convert their manuals into French.
• She works as a translator, focusing on legal documents.

A language specialist is generally someone with advanced knowledge in one or multiple languages, often used in academic or professional settings where expertise in language structures, linguistics, or translation is required.

• The university hired a language specialist to develop the new Spanish curriculum.
• As a language specialist, she is proficient in five different languages.