1 C1 idiomatic formal
To remove a difficulty or contradiction by reinterpreting the meaning of a text, statement, or law.
"The lawyer tried to interpret away the ambiguous clause in the contract."
separable
interpret away
C1 formal separable transitive
To remove or neutralize the problematic aspects of something by reinterpreting its meaning, often in a self-serving way.
In plain English
To change what something means so that a problem with it seems to go away.
What does "interpret away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Used in academic, legal, and political contexts when someone reinterprets a text, law, or statement to sidestep an inconvenient conclusion. Often carries a mildly critical tone, implying the reinterpretation is too convenient.
Words that pair with "interpret away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
text law clause evidence contradiction difficulty rule
How to conjugate "interpret away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
interpret away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
interprets away
he/she/it
Past simple
interpreted away
yesterday
Past participle
interpreted away
have + pp
-ing form
interpreting away
continuous
Hear "interpret away" in the wild
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