Decipherment: meaning, definitions and examples
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decipherment
[ dɪˈsaɪfərmənt ]
study of ancient scripts
Decipherment is the act of converting encoded or encrypted text into plain text. It involves analyzing the symbols, characters, or codes used in the script to reveal their meaning. Decipherment is often used in the field of archaeology to decode ancient languages or scripts that have been lost or forgotten over time.
Synonyms
decoding, interpretation, translation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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decipherment |
Used mostly in the context of solving or understanding something complex, especially ancient scripts or codes.
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decoding |
Usually used in the context of breaking down coded messages or understanding encrypted information. Can also relate to understanding complex information in various fields like genetics.
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interpretation |
Used when explaining or understanding something based on one’s perspective. Often relates to art, literature, or spoken words.
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translation |
Commonly used for converting text or speech from one language to another. Can also relate to adapting concepts between different systems or cultures.
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Examples of usage
- The decipherment of the Rosetta Stone was a significant breakthrough in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics.
- Linguists spent years working on the decipherment of the Indus Valley script.
- The decipherment of Linear B tablets provided valuable insights into ancient Mycenaean civilization.
Translations
Translations of the word "decipherment" in other languages:
🇵🇹 decifração
🇮🇳 डिकोडिंग
🇩🇪 Entzifferung
🇮🇩 pembacaan
🇺🇦 дешифрування
🇵🇱 odszyfrowanie
🇯🇵 解読 (kaidoku)
🇫🇷 déchiffrement
🇪🇸 desciframiento
🇹🇷 deşifre etme
🇰🇷 해독 (haedok)
🇸🇦 فك الشيفرة
🇨🇿 rozluštění
🇸🇰 dešifrovanie
🇨🇳 破解 (pòjiě)
🇸🇮 dešifriranje
🇮🇸 afkóðun
🇰🇿 шифрын ашу
🇬🇪 გაშიფვრა (gashifrva)
🇦🇿 deşifrə
🇲🇽 desciframiento
Etymology
The history of the word 'decipherment' dates back to the early 19th century when scholars began to focus on unlocking the secrets of ancient scripts and languages. The development of decipherment techniques has led to groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of linguistics, archaeology, and cryptography. The ability to decipher ancient texts has provided invaluable insights into the cultures and histories of civilizations long past.
See also: decipherable, decipherer, deciphering.