interpretative

American  

[in-tur-pri-tey-tiv] / ɪnˈtɜr prɪˌteɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. interpretive.

---

interpretative British  

/ ɪnˈtɜːprɪtətɪv, ɪnˈtɜːprɪtɪv /

adjective

1. of, involving, or providing interpretation; expository

---

Other Word Forms

• interpretatively adverb
• noninterpretative adjective
• noninterpretatively adverb
• preinterpretative adjective
• uninterpretative adjective

Etymology

Origin of interpretative

1560–70; < Latin interpretāt ( us ) past participle of interpretārī to interpret + -ive

Explanation

Something interpretative is helping you understand or make meaning. When you visit a national monument, you might not understand the symbolism until you read the interpretative signs that explain and interpret the monument for visitors. To interpret means "to translate or to explain." If you view an interpretative dance, the performers are interpreting the music with their physical movements. If you have a job working as an interpreter at the UN, you might have the interpretative task of assisting diplomats by translating what is said in one language into a language that another person can understand.

Example Sentences

His death occurred just hours after speaking to a Times reporter about hiking in the heat while he took a break for some rare shade under a metal interpretative sign.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2023

All these interpretative elements help us weave a more complete picture of the past.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Language is tricky, nebulous, highly interpretative and emotional.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2023

Possibilities include a park with interpretative panels in Maidu, street signs in Maidu or buildings decorated with cultural designs, Cunningham said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2022

The age of Civil War and Reconstruction, 1830-1900; a book of interpretative essays.

From The Negro in the United States; a selected bibliography. Compiled by Dorothy B. Porter by Porter, Dorothy B.