Intermediate · Fundamentals
Interpretation
Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.
TL;DR. Assigning meaning to the symbols of a formal language, making it understandable.
Technical Definition
Assigning meaning to the symbols of a formal language, making it understandable.
How it works
In formal systems, interpretation is the process of assigning meaning to the symbols and structures of a formal language. Many formal languages, like those used in logic and mathematics, are defined purely by their syntax (rules for forming expressions). Interpretation provides the semantics, connecting these abstract symbols to concepts or objects, thereby giving them meaning and allowing for reasoning.
Related Concepts
- Formal language — A precisely defined set of strings, built from an alphabet and adhering to specific formation rules.