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Interpretive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
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interpretive

[ษชnหˆtษ™หprษชtษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

art

Relating to or involving interpretation, especially of the arts.

Synonyms

elucidative, explanatory, illustrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interpretive

Similar to the first entry, used to describe something that offers a personal explanation or artistic rendition.

  • The museum hosted an interpretive exhibit on ancient civilizations.
  • His interpretive essay provided a unique perspective on the historical event.
explanatory

Used when providing a clear and straightforward explanation, typically factual and informative.

  • The explanatory notes at the end of the chapter provide valuable context.
  • An explanatory guide was given to help new employees understand the company's protocols.
illustrative

Used when giving examples or drawings to help explain something or make it easier to understand.

  • The teacher used illustrative examples to explain the math problem.
  • Her book is filled with illustrative diagrams that make the content more engaging.
elucidative

Used in situations where something is clarified or made clear, often in a way that removes confusion.

  • His elucidative comments helped the audience understand the complex topic.
  • The professor's elucidative lecture made the difficult concepts more accessible.

Examples of usage

  • Her interpretive dance performance was mesmerizing.
  • The artist's interpretive painting captured the essence of the landscape.
Context #2 | Adjective

literature

Explaining or analyzing the meaning or significance of a work of literature.

Synonyms

analytical, explanatory, interpretative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interpretive

Typically used in artistic contexts to describe works that involve creativity and personal perspective, such as dance, theater, or visual arts.

  • The dancer's interpretive performance brought new depth to the classic piece
analytical

Often used in academic or professional settings where logical reasoning, detailed examination, and data analysis are important.

  • His analytical approach to the problem helped the team find a solution quickly
interpretative

Similar to 'interpretive,' used to describe actions that involve giving a personal explanation or understanding to something, often in cultural or literary critique.

  • Her interpretative reading of the poem highlighted its emotional undertones
explanatory

Used when providing detailed descriptions or clarifications, especially in educational, instructional, or report-writing contexts.

  • The teacher's explanatory notes made the complex topic much easier to understand

Examples of usage

  • The critic's interpretive essay shed new light on the novel.
  • The professor's interpretive approach to the poem revealed hidden layers of meaning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Arts

  • Interpretive dance expresses emotions and stories through body movements rather than words, allowing for personal interpretation from the audience.
  • In theater, interpretive productions can reimagine classic plays by giving new meanings through different styles, settings, or cultural contexts.
  • Art installations may be labeled 'interpretive' if they encourage viewers to draw their own conclusions rather than presenting clear messages.

Education

  • Interpretive skills are critical in education, especially in subjects like literature, where students explore multiple meanings of texts.
  • Teachers use interpretive questions to encourage critical thinking, asking students how a character's actions might relate to their own lives.
  • Interpretive strategies can improve comprehension by helping students connect personal experiences with the content.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, interpretation of folklore or traditional tales can vary widely, highlighting the uniqueness of cultural perspectives.
  • Interpretive tourism aims to deepen visitors' understanding of locations through narratives that reveal local history and cultural significance.
  • In multicultural contexts, the interpretive approach helps to celebrate different viewpoints, allowing for richer intercultural dialogue.

Psychology

  • Interpretation plays a vital role in psychology, impacting how individuals perceive their experiences and emotions.
  • Therapeutic techniques often rely on interpretive methods to unravel subconscious thoughts and feelings.
  • Cognitive biases can affect oneโ€™s interpretive lens, meaning people can perceive the same event differently based on their past experiences.

Origin of 'interpretive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'interpret,' which has roots in Latin 'interpretari' meaning 'to explain' or 'to translate.'
  • The suffix '-ive' is often used in English to describe something that has a tendency or quality, so 'interpretive' suggests having the quality of explaining.
  • This term first appeared in English texts around the early 19th century, especially in the context of art and literature.

The word 'interpretive' originated from the Latin word 'interpretari', meaning 'to explain, interpret'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'interpretive' has come to be widely used in various fields such as art, literature, and music to describe the act of explaining or analyzing meaning.

See also: interpret, interpretable, interpretation, interpretations, interpretative, interpreter, interpreting, misinterpret, misinterpretation, reinterpret, reinterpretation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,589, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.