interpretive

[ in-tur-pri-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to interpret; explanatory.
2. deduced by interpretation.
3. made because of interpretation:

   an interpretive distortion of language.

4. of or relating to those arts that require an intermediary, as a performer, for realization, as in music or theater.
5. offering interpretations, explanations, or guidance, as through lectures, brochures, or films:

   the museum's interpretive center.

Other Words From

• in·terpre·tive·ly adverb
• nonin·terpre·tive adjective
• nonin·terpre·tive·ly adverb
• nonin·terpre·tive·ness noun
• self-in·terpre·tive adjective
• unin·terpre·tive adjective
• unin·terpre·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpretive¹

First recorded in 1670–80; interpret + -ive

Example Sentences

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.

From Washington Post

He is the court’s leading opponent of the selective and bogus interpretive method known as “originalism.”

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile, his performer’s gifts — charisma, interpretive verve, spot-on comic and dramatic timing, exuberant physicality — make the profundity engaging.

From 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.

From Nautilus

The truth is screened through an interpretive lens even before experiments start.

From Nautilus

I came [to personal essays] through the route of, if you want to call it intellection or a kind of interpretive [genre].

From The Daily Beast

And what is the difference between a truly creative artist and an interpretive artist?

From The Daily Beast

The crowd collectively grooved out in the wavy interpretive dance-esque style that Deadheads do.

From The Daily Beast

But then I was so impressed by the unique and interpretive ideas people were able to come up with.

From The Daily Beast

It is also more in the nature of misperception and interpretive crudity, rather than ignorance.

From The Daily Beast

Free literature, library facilities, and interpretive services are also available at the museum.

From Project Gutenberg

The use of the singer's sensations, as applied in practical instruction, is almost exclusively interpretive.

From Project Gutenberg

Many vocal shortcomings are forgiven in the singer of convincing interpretive power.

From Project Gutenberg

Interpretive signs and amenities guided the erstwhile onlooker to the "ultimate," in fantasy dining.

From Project Gutenberg

The very thing that would have made them intelligible, interpretive, that would have made them art, was absent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analytical
• informative