Decipher: meaning, definitions and examples

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decipher

[dɪˈsaɪfər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

code breaking

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

Synonyms

decode, decrypt, interpret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
decipher	Use this term when you need to figure out or understand something that is confusing or written in a complex code. She managed to decipher the ancient script. It took them hours to decipher the mysterious message.
decode	This word is suitable for translating encrypted or encoded information back into its original form. The spy was able to decode the secret transmissions. We need to decode this file to understand its contents.
decrypt	Frequently used in the context of computer science or cryptography, referring to converting code back into readable text. They used a key to decrypt the encrypted data. The software can decrypt files that have been locked by ransomware.
interpret	Best used when explaining the meaning of something, often in the context of languages, texts, or data. He had to interpret the meaning of the ancient hieroglyphs. The results of the experiment need to be carefully interpreted.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
decipher	Best used when referring to converting a coded message into plain text or figuring out something that is obscure or difficult to read. She was able to decipher the ancient script The team worked hard to decipher the spy's coded message
interpret	Often used for explaining the meaning of something, such as data, text, or actions. It implies giving a personal or expert explanation. The scientist interpreted the complex data She interpreted his silence as a sign of disagreement
understand	Used in a broad sense to mean comprehending the meaning, especially in conversations, learning situations, and personal insights. I finally understand how to solve this math problem Do you understand what she is saying?

Word

Description / Examples

decipher

Best used when referring to converting a coded message into plain text or figuring out something that is obscure or difficult to read.

She was able to decipher the ancient script
The team worked hard to decipher the spy's coded message

interpret

Often used for explaining the meaning of something, such as data, text, or actions. It implies giving a personal or expert explanation.

The scientist interpreted the complex data
She interpreted his silence as a sign of disagreement

understand

Used in a broad sense to mean comprehending the meaning, especially in conversations, learning situations, and personal insights.

I finally understand how to solve this math problem
Do you understand what she is saying?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' and 'cipher', which originally meant 'zero' in Arabic, later referring to codes.
The term has roots in medieval Latin and evolved from 'decipherare', where 'cipher' referred to written symbols or numerals.

Pop Culture

The popular TV show 'Sherlock' often features the main character deciphering clues to solve complex mysteries.
In video games like 'Assassin's Creed', players often must decipher ancient scripts or codes to progress in the story.

History

During World War II, the Allied forces employed codebreakers to decipher enemies' coded messages, significantly influencing outcomes of battles.
The Rosetta Stone was key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, revealing the connection between different languages and helping us understand ancient culture.

Science

Cryptography, the study of codes and ciphers, relies on both deciphering and encoding information to secure communication.
In data science, techniques for deciphering encrypted data are crucial for protecting user privacy and maintaining data integrity.

Literature

In literature, many characters are tasked with deciphering riddles or hidden meanings, contributing to the story's intrigue, like in 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Poets often use obscure language that readers must decipher to unveil deeper meanings and themes, adding richness to their work.

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

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.

...
18692 drunkard
18693 hypoglycemia
18694 rascal
18695 decipher
18696 agonizing
18697 lustrous
18698 unceasing
...