Indecipherably: meaning, definitions and examples

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indecipherably

 

[ ɪnˈdɪˌsaɪ.fər.ə.bli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

In an indecipherable manner means that something is impossible to read or understand due to its complexity or obscurity. This adverb describes actions or conditions that lack clarity and cannot be easily interpreted.

Synonyms

indistinctly, obscurely, unintelligibly

Examples of usage

  • He spoke indecipherably during the speech.
  • The writing on the ancient tablet was indecipherably faded.
  • Her notes were so messy that they were indecipherably confusing.

Word origin

The word 'indecipherably' originates from the combination of the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', with the root word 'decipher', which comes from the Middle English 'deciphere.' The latter is derived from the Old French 'decipher,' which itself traces back to the Latin 'decifrare.' The Latin term consists of 'de-' (down from, from) and 'cifrare' (to interpret or make out). The evolution of the word reflects a journey through various languages that contributed to the development of its meaning, related to the inability to interpret or understand something clearly. Over time, the addition of the '-ly' suffix transformed it into an adverb, emphasizing the manner of indecipherable action.