Decipherable: meaning, definitions and examples

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decipherable

 

[dɪˈsaɪfərəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in cryptography

Capable of being decoded or understood, often referring to a message or information that can be interpreted.

Synonyms

decodable, interpretable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decipherable

Appropriate when discussing something that can be understood or made sense of, such as handwriting, codes, or messages.

  • Despite the doctor's messy handwriting, the prescription was decipherable.
  • The ancient script was complex but ultimately decipherable.
decodable

Used mainly in contexts related to codes, ciphers, or information that can be translated from one form to another.

  • The encrypted message was easily decodable with the right key.
  • The data is decodable using advanced software.
interpretable

Refers to data, results, or text that can be analyzed and understood, often used in technical or academic contexts.

  • The survey results are interpretable by looking at demographic information.
  • The complex graph is interpretable after a thorough analysis.

Examples of usage

  • The encrypted message was decipherable only by using a special key.
  • The handwriting was so messy that it was barely decipherable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'decipherare', meaning to unlock or interpret.
  • It combines 'de-' (indicating removal) and 'cipher' (meaning code), suggesting the action of taking away confusion from a coded message.
  • The '-able' suffix implies that it can be done, so 'decipherable' means something that can be decoded.

Science

  • In cryptography, decipherable texts are crucial for understanding secure communication.
  • Linguists analyze ancient scripts to determine if they are decipherable, revealing lost languages.
  • Artificial intelligence is increasingly being trained to make sense of previously undecipherable patterns in data.

Literature

  • Many classic works rely on decipherable codes and symbols for deeper meaning, inviting readers to uncover hidden messages.
  • Authors often play with language to create puzzles within their texts, prompting audiences to find the meaning.
  • Decipherable texts can provide insights into the author's intent, making literature richer and more engaging.

Technology

  • With advancements in technology, even very complex codes are becoming increasingly decipherable through software tools.
  • Data encryption is a field focused on making information decipherable only to those who are authorized, ensuring privacy.
  • Deciphering in tech often involves using algorithms that can translate or interpret information quickly and accurately.

History

  • Deciphering historical codes has aided archaeologists in understanding ancient cultures and their communications.
  • The Rosetta Stone was pivotal in making Egyptian hieroglyphs decipherable, revealing insights into a lost civilization.
  • World War II saw codebreakers deciphering enemy messages, changing the course of history.

Translations

Translations of the word "decipherable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decifrável

🇮🇳 पठनीय

🇩🇪 entzifferbar

🇮🇩 terbaca

🇺🇦 розбірливий

🇵🇱 czytelny

🇯🇵 解読可能な

🇫🇷 déchiffrable

🇪🇸 descifrable

🇹🇷 çözülebilir

🇰🇷 해독 가능한

🇸🇦 قابل للفك

🇨🇿 čitelný

🇸🇰 čitateľný

🇨🇳 可解读的

🇸🇮 čitljiv

🇮🇸 afkóðanlegt

🇰🇿 оқылатын

🇬🇪 გაშიფვადი

🇦🇿 oxunaqlı

🇲🇽 descifrable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,002, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.