Interpret not interpretate

A common mistake I have found amongst students is the misconception that a noun that ends -ation, e.g. interpretation, has the verb form ending in -ate rather than another stem form e.g. interpretate instead of interpret.

This is to some extent understandable, as many of them do! 

There is no hard and fast rule as to when the verb form ends in -ate and when it doesn't (unless you have a really good knowledge of Latin and understand supine and non-supine elements of grammar - we'll leave that well alone, I think). 

I'm afraid there is no alternative but to learn them. Sorry.

The suffix -ation, -tion, or similar has the following meaning (ref. dictionary.com)

-tion

• Word Origin

1.

a suffix occurring in words of Latin origin, used to form abstract nouns from verbs or stems not identical with verbs, whether as expressing action ( revolution; commendation), or a state ( contrition;starvation), or associated meanings ( relation; temptation).

Also, -ation, -cion, -ion, -sion, -xion.

Below is a list of some of the most common noun forms that end in -ation, or -tion and their verb stem forms. 

Noun form	Verb stem form	Verb meaning
Association	Associate	to think of one person or thing when you think of another person or thing
Certification	Certify	to say officially that something is true, correct, or genuine
Civilization	Civilize	to cause (a group of people) to have a more highly organized and modern way of living
Confirmation	Confirm	to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen
Conservation	Conserve	to keep (something) safe from being damaged or destroyed
Continuation	Continue	To keep doing something in the same way as before
Conversation	Converse	Social interaction, usually verbal
Cremation	Cremate	To burn (the body of someone who has died)
Culmination	Culminate	to be the end or final result of (something)
Deprivation	Deprive	to take something away from someone or something : to not allow (someone or something) to have or keep (something)
Documentation	Document	to create a record of (something) through writing, film, photography, etc.
Elevation	Elevate	to increase the level of (something) : to make (something) higher
Fascination	Fascinate	to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone
Frustration	Frustrate	to cause (someone) to feel angry, discouraged, or upset because of not being able to do something
Hesitation	Hesitate	to stop briefly before you do something especially because you are nervous or unsure about what to do
Identification	Identify	to show who someone is or what something is
Information	Inform	to give information to (someone)
Innovation	Innovate	to do something in a new way : to have new ideas about how something can be done
Inspiration	Inspire	to make (someone) want to do something : to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create
Interpretation	Interpret	to explain the meaning of (something)
Moderation	Moderate	to make (something) less harsh, strong, or severe or to become less harsh, strong, or severe; to guide a discussion or direct a meeting that involves a group of people
Modification	Modify	to change some parts of (something) while not changing other parts
Multiplication	multiply	mathematics : to add a number to itself a certain number of times; to increase in number by reproducing
Mutation	Mutate	to change into something very different
Nomination	Nominate	to formally choose (someone) as a candidate for a job, position, office, etc.
Notation	Note	to say or write (something)
Perspiration	Perspire	to produce a clear liquid from your skin when you are hot or nervous : sweat
Preparation	Prepare	to make (someone or something) ready for some activity, purpose, use, etc.
Presentation	Present	to formally talk about (something you have written, studied, etc.) to a group of people; to give something to someone in a formal way or in a ceremony
Preservation	Preserve	to keep (something) safe from harm or loss : protect; to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition
Qualification	Qualify	to pass an exam or complete a course of study that is required in order to do something; to have the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity : to have the qualifications to do something
Representation	Represent	to act or speak officially for (someone or something); to be an example of (someone or something)
Violation	Violate	to take away, interfere with, or ignore (something, such as a person's rights or privacy) in an unfair or illegal way

N.B I have put the verb meaning(s) which relates to the verb form used, though there may also be alternative definitions.