Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Interpretation refers to the process of assigning meaning or significance to a particular event, behavior, or experience. It involves analyzing and making sense of information in order to understand its underlying message or purpose.
Related terms
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols or objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For example, in a dream about being chased, the person chasing you could symbolize a threat or fear in your waking life.
Manifest content refers to the literal imagery and events that occur in a dream. In the case of being chased in a dream, the manifest content would be running away from someone or something.
Latent content refers to the hidden or symbolic meaning behind the manifest content of a dream. It represents unconscious desires, fears, or conflicts that may be influencing our dreams.