interpolate

[in-tur-puh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

interpolated, interpolating 

1. to introduce (something additional or extraneous) between other things or parts; interject; interpose; intercalate.

2. Mathematics.,  to insert, estimate, or find an intermediate term in (a sequence).

3. to alter (a text) by the insertion of new matter, especially deceptively or without authorization.

4. to insert (new or spurious matter) in this manner.

verb (used without object)

interpolated, interpolating 

1. to make an interpolation.

interpolate

/ ɪnˈtɜːpəˌleɪt /

verb

1. to insert or introduce (a comment, passage, etc) into (a conversation, text, etc)

2. to falsify or alter (a text, manuscript, etc) by the later addition of (material, esp spurious or valueless passages)

3. (intr) to make additions, interruptions, or insertions

4. maths to estimate (a value of a function) between the values already known or determined Compare extrapolate

Other Word Forms

• interpolable adjective
• interpolater noun
• interpolator noun
• interpolatory adjective
• interpolative adjective
• interpolatively adverb
• noninterpolating adjective
• noninterpolative adjective
• uninterpolated adjective
• uninterpolative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpolate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin interpolātus, past participle of interpolāre “to make new, refurbish, touch up,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -polā- verb stem (akin to polīre “to polish”) + -tus past participle suffix; inter-, polish

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpolate¹

C17: from Latin interpolāre to give a new appearance to, from _inter- + polīre to _polish

Example Sentences

A song which interpolates a George Michael song was welcomed by the singer's estate, who said they were "delighted" when Swift approached them about including it on Father Figure.

From BBC

She continues to settle scores on Father Figure - the scathing story of a backstabbing protégé, that interpolates the George Michael classic of the same name.

From BBC

At other times, progress is impeded by internal barriers: “Waiting for That Day” interpolates the Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and features the lyric, “Something in me needs this pain.”

From Salon

Is there a song in your mind that’s too sacred to sample or interpolate?

From Los Angeles Times

Entitled Alter Ego, it includes singles Moonlit Floor, which interpolates Sixpence None the Richer's classic track Kiss Me, as well as New Woman featuring Spanish star Rosalía, and hip hop track Rockstar.

From BBC