rendition

/rɛnˈdɪʃən/

/rɛnˈdɪʃən/

Other forms: renditions

A rendition is an interpretation, performance, or translation. Whitney Houston's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is still used at games today; Roseanne Barr's is not.

This word comes from the Old French rendre, which means “to deliver, yield.” So if you want to put your spin on a song or poem or your favorite movie monologue, go ahead and deliver your rendition of it. But know that in modern times this word has also been used as a noun, describing the secret capture and interrogation of a terror suspect in a foreign country that has less strict human rights laws.

Definitions of rendition

1. noun

   a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
   “they heard a live rendition of three pieces by Schubert”

   synonyms: rendering

   type of:

   performance, public presentation

   a dramatic or musical entertainment
2. noun

   the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
   “her rendition of Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving”

   synonyms: interpretation, rendering

   types:

   reinterpretation

   a new or different interpretation

   spin

   a distinctive interpretation (especially as used by politicians to sway public opinion)

   type of:

   performance

   the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment
3. noun

   an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious
   “often imitations are extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's intended meaning”

   synonyms: interpretation, interpreting, rendering

   types:

   broad interpretation, judicial activism

   an interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions (particularly decisions of the Supreme Court)

   type of:

   explanation

   thought that makes something comprehensible
4. noun

   handing over prisoners to countries where torture is allowed
   type of:

   persecution

   the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)