GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

decipher

verb

/dɪˈsʌɪfə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of decipher

To convert encrypted or encoded information into its original, understandable form.
"The cryptographer was able to decipher the encrypted message."

Detailed meaning of decipher

Deciphering typically involves using a key, algorithm, or codebook to reverse the process of encryption or encoding, revealing the meaning of the message. This process can be challenging, as some codes and ciphers are deliberately designed to be difficult to break. Deciphering is a critical skill in cryptography and cryptanalysis, the study of breaking codes and ciphers. In modern times, deciphering also refers to the process of interpreting something that is difficult to understand or to decode complex information or data. For example, a scientist may need to decipher the results of a complex experiment, or a detective may need to decipher a series of clues to solve a case.

Example sentences containing decipher

1. He spent hours trying to decipher the cryptic message.
2. Can you decipher this ancient script on the artifact?
3. The detective managed to decipher the coded message.
4. She struggled to decipher the doctor's illegible handwriting.
5. The computer program can quickly decipher complex codes.
6. Archaeologists work tirelessly to decipher ancient inscriptions.

History and etymology of decipher

The verb 'decipher' has its origins in the Latin language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word 'dis-' meaning 'away' or 'apart,' and 'cipere,' which means 'to take' or 'to seize.' The combination of these elements in Latin led to the word 'decipere,' which meant 'to take apart' or 'to unseize.' Over time, 'decipere' evolved into 'decipher' in English, retaining the notion of breaking something down or unraveling it. In its current usage, 'decipher' refers to the act of converting encrypted or encoded information into its original and understandable form, reflecting its historical connection to the process of unraveling and making sense of complex or concealed messages.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb decipher:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of decipher

1. It took them days to decipher the encrypted document.
2. The linguist was able to decipher the ancient manuscript.
3. We need to decipher the meaning behind these symbols.
4. They used a special software to decipher the encrypted files.
5. He couldn't decipher the meaning of her enigmatic smile.
6. The team worked together to decipher the intricate code.
7. The codebreaker had the skills to decipher the enemy's messages.
8. She tried to decipher the hidden message in the painting.
9. It's like a puzzle; you have to decipher the clues.
10. The ancient hieroglyphs proved challenging to decipher.
11. The scientist used advanced techniques to decipher the genetic code.
12. Can you decipher the meaning of these mysterious symbols?
13. They used a codebook to help decipher the intercepted messages.
14. The software can automatically decipher and translate foreign languages.
15. He was able to decipher the ancient text with the help of a translation guide.
16. The code was difficult to decipher, but eventually, the message was revealed.
17. I'm trying to decipher the meaning of this cryptic message.
18. The scientist was able to decipher the genetic code.
19. The archaeologist spent years trying to decipher the hieroglyphs.
20. The detective tried to decipher the criminal's motives.
21. She had to decipher the instructions on the recipe to prepare the dish.
22. The team of experts worked together to decipher the code.
23. I'm trying to decipher the handwriting on the old document.
24. The historian was able to decipher the historical document and uncover new information.
25. It took him hours to decipher the message hidden in the puzzle.