Meaning & Definition of word "Decipher"

Decipher

/dɪˈsaɪ.fər/

1. To convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into ordinary language; to interpret or make sense of something.
- Example: The archaeologists worked for years to decipher the ancient inscriptions on the stone tablet.
2. To discover the meaning of something that is difficult to understand, often involving solving a puzzle or mystery.
- Example: She managed to decipher the clues left in the diary to reveal the location of the hidden treasure.
3. To determine the intended meaning of intricate or unclear communication.
- Example: The technician had to decipher the error messages displayed on the machine.
4. To interpret a thought or feeling expressed non-verbally or in a complex manner.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: To figure something out.

● Example Sentence: I had to decipher what she was trying to say during the argument.

Meaning: To understand a complex situation.

● Example Sentence: It took me a while to decipher the drama in that group.