interpretar

to interpret; to perform

verb een-tehr-preh-TAHR Less Common

Origin: From Latin interpretari (to explain, translate).

Usage Note

Interpretar spans intellectual interpretation (a law, a text) and artistic performance — an actor or musician interpreta a role or a piece. This dual usage means context is essential: interpretar la ley (to interpret the law) vs interpretar a Beethoven (to perform Beethoven). The noun intérprete also means 'interpreter' (translator) in a spoken-language context.

Examples

"El actor interpretó el papel muy bien."

Natural Translation

The actor performed the role very well.

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