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Decipher: meaning, definitions and examples

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decipher

 

[ dɪˈsaɪfər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

code breaking

To convert a coded message into ordinary language; to decode.

Synonyms

decode, decrypt, interpret

Examples of usage

  • The team of cryptographers was able to decipher the enemy's secret communications.
  • They spent weeks trying to decipher the encrypted files.
  • After hours of working on the puzzle, she finally managed to decipher the hidden message.
Context #2 | Verb

understand

To interpret or make sense of something that is difficult to understand or unclear.

Synonyms

interpret, understand

Examples of usage

  • It took me a while to decipher the meaning of the ancient hieroglyphics.
  • She tried to decipher the expression on his face to figure out what he was thinking.

Translations

Translations of the word "decipher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decifrar

🇮🇳 डिकोड

🇩🇪 entziffern

🇮🇩 menguraikan

🇺🇦 розшифровувати

🇵🇱 rozszyfrować

🇯🇵 解読する

🇫🇷 déchiffrer

🇪🇸 descifrar

🇹🇷 deşifre etmek

🇰🇷 해독하다

🇸🇦 فك الشفرة

🇨🇿 dešifrovat

🇸🇰 dešifrovať

🇨🇳 破解

🇸🇮 dešifrirati

🇮🇸 afkóða

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გაშიფვრა

🇦🇿 deşifrə etmək

🇲🇽 descifrar

Etymology

The word 'decipher' originated from the combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' or 'undo' and the Middle English word 'cipher' meaning 'zero' or 'code'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century.

See also: cipher, ciphers.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,695, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.