interpreter

noun

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

A person or thing that translates direct speech or signing.

(computing) A program that converts commands into machine language in real time rather than compiling it in advance.

(music, theater) A performer who presents a piece of art in a distinct style, particularly so as to make older works relevant to their audience.

(now uncommon) Synonym of guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people.

(figurative) A thing that, figuratively speaking, performs a similar role explaining, revealing, or clarifying.

(obsolete) Synonym of translator, one who translates various forms of texts.

(obsolete) Synonym of commentator, one who explains laws or scripture.

(obsolete) Synonym of emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine.

(rhetoric, obsolete) Synonym of synonymy, the use of one term to explain another.

(obsolete) Synonym of dictionary or glossary, a book that explains uncommon terms.

(computing, historical) A machine that reads the pattern of holes on a punch card and prints its meaning along the top of the card.

(historical) An analyst of reconnaissance photographs.

Roots

interinter- · Latin · between, within pretium-pret · Latin · broker, agent

Synonyms for interpreter

translatorn dragomann expoundern expositorn oneirocriticadj exegeten

Synonyms & related words for interpreter

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of interpreter — including translator, dragoman, expounder, expositor, oneirocritic, exegete. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to interpreter

Explore words related to interpreter — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include interpreting, translating, translation, mistranslate, translated, interprets, transcriber, interpretation. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for interpreter

Common synonyms for interpreter include translator, dragoman, expounder, expositor, oneirocritic, exegete — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does interpreter come from?

The word interpreter breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: inter-, from Latin inter (“between, within”); and -pret, from Latin pretium (“broker, agent”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.