interpretive

[ in-tur-pri-tiv ]

/ ɪnˈtɜr prɪ tɪv /

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See synonyms for interpretive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

serving to interpret; explanatory.

deduced by interpretation.

made because of interpretation: an interpretive distortion of language.

of or relating to those arts that require an intermediary, as a performer, for realization, as in music or theater.

offering interpretations, explanations, or guidance, as through lectures, brochures, or films: the museum's interpretive center.

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Origin of interpretive

First recorded in 1670–80; interpret + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM interpretive

in·ter·pre·tive·ly, adverbnon·in·ter·pre·tive, adjectivenon·in·ter·pre·tive·ly, adverbnon·in·ter·pre·tive·ness, noun

self-in·ter·pre·tive, adjectiveun·in·ter·pre·tive, adjectiveun·in·ter·pre·tive·ly, adverb

Words nearby interpretive

interpret, interpretation, interpretative, interpreted language, interpreter, interpretive, interpretive centre, interpretive semantics, interprofessional, interprovincial, interpupillary

How to use interpretive in a sentence

Hirschfeld’s illustrations were interpretive of theatrical and film productions — that is part of his genius — and celebrities could be sensitive about their caricatured features.
Al Hirschfeld: Drawing entertainers with pen and ink, elegance and wit|Michael Cavna|July 30, 2021|Washington Post
He is the court’s leading opponent of the selective and bogus interpretive method known as “originalism.”
Liberals, STFU With Telling Justice Breyer to Retire|Jay Michaelson|June 7, 2021|The Daily Beast
Meanwhile, his performer’s gifts — charisma, interpretive verve, spot-on comic and dramatic timing, exuberant physicality — make the profundity engaging.
Signature Theatre’s latest show is a ‘Jam’ to savor|Celia Wren|March 19, 2021|Washington Post
That, after all, is what most of us are taught in school, because of the legacy of interpretive paradigms such as New Criticism.
Literature Should Be Taught Like Science - Issue 97: Wonder|Kevin Berger|February 24, 2021|Nautilus

The truth is screened through an interpretive lens even before experiments start.
An Existential Crisis in Neuroscience - Issue 94: Evolving|Grigori Guitchounts|December 30, 2020|Nautilus
I came [to personal essays] through the route of, if you want to call it intellection or a kind of interpretive [genre].
Daphne Merkin on Lena Dunham, Book Criticism, and Self-Examination|Mindy Farabee|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And what is the difference between a truly creative artist and an interpretive artist?
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The crowd collectively grooved out in the wavy interpretive dance-esque style that Deadheads do.
Bob Weir on Drugged-Out Deadheads and Living in Jerry Garcia’s Shadow|Emily Shire|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But then I was so impressed by the unique and interpretive ideas people were able to come up with.
The Gregory Brothers and the Rise of the Remix Video|Jackie Snow|February 4, 2011|DAILY BEAST
It is also more in the nature of misperception and interpretive crudity, rather than ignorance.
Ignorant America|Tunku Varadarajan|August 30, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Free literature, library facilities, and interpretive services are also available at the museum.
Manasses (Bull Run) National Battlefield Park-Virginia|Francis F. Wilshin
The use of the singer's sensations, as applied in practical instruction, is almost exclusively interpretive.
The Psychology of Singing|David C. Taylor
Many vocal shortcomings are forgiven in the singer of convincing interpretive power.
The Psychology of Singing|David C. Taylor
Interpretive signs and amenities guided the erstwhile onlooker to the "ultimate," in fantasy dining.
The Land of Look Behind|Paul Cameron Brown
The very thing that would have made them intelligible, interpretive, that would have made them art, was absent.
Vandover and the Brute|Frank Norris