Decipher

/dɪˈsaɪ.fər/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into ordinary language; to interpret or make sense of something.

The archaeologists worked for years to decipher the ancient inscriptions on the stone tablet.

To discover the meaning of something that is difficult to understand, often involving solving a puzzle or mystery.

She managed to decipher the clues left in the diary to reveal the location of the hidden treasure.

To determine the intended meaning of intricate or unclear communication.

The technician had to decipher the error messages displayed on the machine.

To interpret a thought or feeling expressed non-verbally or in a complex manner.

It can be challenging to decipher what someone truly feels based on their body language.

Origin from the medieval Latin 'decipherare', from 'de-' meaning 'down from' + 'ciphers' meaning 'to write in code'.

decipher the code

to figure out the meaning behind a coded message.

decipher the message

to understand the meaning of a written message that is unclear.

decipher someone's feelings

to understand someone's emotions when they are not openly expressed.

decode

To convert a coded message into an understandable form.

cipher

A method of transforming a text to conceal its meaning.

interpret

To explain the meaning of something.

To figure something out.

I had to decipher what she was trying to say during the argument.

To understand a complex situation.

It took me a while to decipher the drama in that group.