Decipher: meaning, definitions and examples

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decipher

[ dɪˈsaɪfər ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.