How to pronounce interpretation
Say it like in-tur-prih-TAY-shun. Interpretation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce interpretation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- tur
- prih
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Interpretation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- turGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- prihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of interpretation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-tur-prih-TAY-shun.
What does interpretation mean?
- a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something
- the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance“her rendition of Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving”
- an explanation that results from interpreting something“the report included his interpretation of the forensic evidence”
Where does interpretation come from?
From Middle English interpretacioun, from the Anglo-Norman form of Old French interpretacion, from Latin interpretātiō, noun of action from interpretor (“to explain, expound, interpret, understand, conclude, infer, comprehend”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with interpretation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of interpretation.
Questions about saying interpretation
How do you pronounce interpretation?
Say in-tur-prih-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˌtɝprɪˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in interpretation?
Interpretation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TAY). Broken into parts: in · tur · prih · TAY · shun.
Is interpretation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃən/ (in-tur-prih-TAY-shun).