interpreter

plural interpreters · alternative interpretour · alternative enterpretour · alternative enterpretor

1. A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another, particularly

   ... an interpreter of dreams ...

   1 more example

   […] 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.

   1903, W. E. B. Du Bois, chapter 10, in The Souls of Black Folk, Chicago: McClurg, page 196

2. A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another
   1. A person or thing that translates speech or signing, as opposed to texts.First known use 1384

      A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements.

      5 more examples

      ... 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.

      1623, William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well, Act IV, Scene 1

      I had many Acquaintance among Persons of the best Fashion, and being always attended by my Interpreter, the Conversation we had was not disagreeable.

      1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Author Leaves Luggnagg, and Sails to Japan. From thence He Returns in a Dutch Ship to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to England.”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume II, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part III (A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdribb, Luggnagg, and Japan), page 137

      I can understand German as well as the maniac that invented it, but I talk it best through an interpreter.

      1880, Mark Twain, chapter 14, in A Tramp Abroad, volume 1, London: Chatto & Windus, page 115

      14. A party or witness in any proceedings who does not understand or speak the language in which the proceedings are conducted or who is deaf has the right to the assistance of an interpreter.

      1982, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

      Once in the classroom the interpreter might inform the deaf person of various auditory information occurring in the environment such as: The teacher has a strong accent. Your hearing aid is making a noise. The fire alarm has gone off!

      1991, Jerome Daniel Schein et al., Postsecondary Education for Deaf Students

   2. obsoleteSynonym of translator, one who translates various forms of texts.First known use 1400

      Synonyms: translator, one who translates various forms of texts, translator, Latiner, latimer, truchman, dragoman, dubash

   3. obsoleteSynonym of commentator, one who explains laws or scripture.First known use 1440

      ... the holy fathers interpretours of holy scrypture ...

      1529, Thomas More, Dialogue of Diverse Matters, London: J. Rastell, Book 4, Chapter 6

      1 more example

      Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me.

      1678, John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress, section 23

      Synonyms: commentator, one who explains laws or scripture

   4. obsoleteSynonym of emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine.First known use 1490

      Synonyms: emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine

   5. uncommonSynonym of guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people.First known use 1531

      At the historic site, there are a number of interpreters who demonstrate ancient crafts.

      1 more example

      A severe interpreter might say that the mere facts of their relation to each other, the melancholy position of this woman who depended on his will, made a standing banquet for his delight in dominating.

      1876, George Eliot, Daniel Deronda, Leipzig: B. Tauchnitz, Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 30, p. 205

      Synonyms: guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people, cicerone, docent, tour guide

   6. figurativelyA thing that, figuratively speaking, performs a similar role explaining, revealing, or clarifying.

      Leo. ... theſe thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand ſlackneſſe.

      1623, William Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale, Act V, Scene 1

      2 more examples

      Flowers are the interpreters of love in India, painting in the most vivid but in the softest colours speaking in the sweetest sighs: while each blossom that fades is a mournful remembrancer either of blighted hopes or departed pleasures.

      1823, Letitia Elizabeth Landon, Forget Me Not 1824, The Indian Orphan, page 67

      ... the modern drama—the strongest and most far-reaching interpreter of our deep-felt dissatisfaction ...

      1910, Emma Goldman, “The Modern Drama”, in Anarchism and Other Essays, New York: Mother Earth Publishing Association, page 247

   7. obsoleterhetoricSynonym of synonymy, the use of one term to explain another.First known use 1589

      Synonyms: synonymy

   8. obsoleteSynonym of dictionary or glossary, a book that explains uncommon terms.First known use 1607

      Synonyms: dictionary or glossary

   9. historicalcomputingA machine that reads the pattern of holes on a punch card and prints its meaning along the top of the card.First known use 1936
   10. historicalAn analyst of reconnaissance photographs.First known use 1950
   11. computingA program that converts commands into machine language in real time rather than compiling it in advance.First known use 1954

       Programs written in BASIC are usually run through an interpreter rather than a compiler.

   12. entertainmentA performer who presents a piece of art in a distinct style, particularly so as to make older works relevant to their audience.

       ... one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's piano works ...