interpreter

Everyday

1. An interpreter is a person whose job is to change what someone says from one language into another, out loud, as they speak. tree →
2. (computing) An interpreter is a computer program that reads and runs code line by line. tree →
3. An interpreter is someone who explains the meaning of something, like a performer of music or a person who explains a dream or a text. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life interpreters help at hospitals, courts, schools and international meetings; sign language interpreters help deaf people. In computing lessons, Python uses an interpreter. In the Bible, Joseph was an interpreter of dreams. Phrases: «through an interpreter», «sign language interpreter».

Examples

• The doctor spoke to the family through an interpreter. tree →
• A sign language interpreter stood next to the speaker. tree →
• Interpreters at the UN listen and speak at the same time. tree →
• My aunt works as a Ukrainian interpreter. tree →
• Joseph was the interpreter of Pharaoh's dreams. tree →
• Python code runs in an interpreter. tree →

Note

Countable: an interpreter (starts with a vowel, so «an»). Verb: interpret; noun: interpretation. Trap: an interpreter works with speech, a translator works with writing — people often mix them up. Spelled -er.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Joseph spoke through an interpreter to hide that he understood his brothers. Tradition notes that this shows they did not know him. In the primary lessons: In everyday life interpreters help at hospitals, courts, schools and international meetings; sign language interpreters help deaf people. In computing lessons, Python uses an interpreter. In the Bible, Joseph was an interpreter of dreams. Phrases: «through an interpreter», «sign language interpreter».

Examples

• And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for the interpreter was between them. (Torah GEN.42.23, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: an interpreter (starts with a vowel, so «an»). Verb: interpret; noun: interpretation. Trap: an interpreter works with speech, a translator works with writing — people often mix them up. Spelled -er.