verb

interpretare

interpret

Dare un significato particolare a un testo, a un gesto o a un fatto. Può indicare anche l'azione di un attore che recita un ruolo in un film o a teatro.

Definition & meaning

The verb interpretare in Italian carries several related meanings:

To interpret or translate orally: To translate speech from one language to another in real-time or to explain the meaning of something that is not immediately clear.
To perform or act: In the context of the arts, it refers to the act of an actor or musician portraying a character or performing a piece of music, bringing their own personal style and understanding to the work.
To decipher or decode: To infer the significance or hidden meaning of something, such as dreams, signs, or complex data.

Grammar & Word origin

Interpretare is a regular transitive verb ending in -are (first conjugation). It requires a direct object to be complete.

The word originates from the Latin verb interpretari, which is composed of:

Inter-: meaning "between."
Pres or pret: related to the root found in pretium (price/value).

Historically, an interpres was a "go-between" or a negotiator who mediated between two parties, essentially "setting the price" or value of an exchange through communication. Over time, the meaning shifted from economic mediation to linguistic and intellectual mediation.