interpreter
/ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪ.tɚ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.54 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
4
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly
noun
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another
noun
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another
noun
A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another
Example Sentences
- "... an interpreter of dreams ..."
- "[…] the Priest or Medicine-man […] early appeared on the plantation and found his function as the healer of the sick, the interpreter of the Unknown […] and the one who rudely but picturesquely expressed the longing, disappointment, and resentment of a stolen and oppressed people."
- "A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements."
- "... when you ſallie vpon him, ſpeake what terrible Language you will: though you vnderſtand it not your ſelues, no matter: for we must not ſeeme to vnderſtand him, vnleſſe ſome one among vs, whom wee must produce for an Interpreter."
- "I had many Acquaintance among Persons of the best Fashion, and being always attended by my Interpreter, the Conversation we had was not disagreeable."
- "I can understand German as well as the maniac that invented it, but I talk it best through an interpreter."
Etymology
From Middle English interpreter, interpretour, etc., from Old French interpreteur, interpreteeur, etc., from Late Latin interpretātōr, from classical Latin interpretātus (“explained, translated”) + -or (“-er: forming agent nouns”), from interpretārī (“to explain, to translate”), from interpres (“go-between, translator”) + -ārī (“to be ~ed”), q.v. In reference to divine emissaries, a calque of Mercury's Latin epithet interpres divum (“go-between of the gods”). In reference to the rhetorical device, a calque of Latin interpretatio. Equivalent to interpret + -er. Displaced native Old English wealhstod.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ɪnˈtɝ.pɹɪ.tɚ/
- British English: /ɪnˈtɜː.pɹɪ.tə/
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Law, Music.
Inflected Forms
interpreters (plural)
interpretour (alternative)
enterpretour (alternative)
enterpretor (alternative)
Derived Forms
Phrases
Frequently Paired Words
Synonyms
translator
one who translates various forms of texts
commentator
one who explains laws or scripture
emissary
particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine
guide
one who explains a thing
person
or group of people
synonymy
dictionary or glossary