decipher

[ dih-sahy-fer ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.):

   to decipher a hastily scribbled note.

2. to discover the meaning of (anything obscure or difficult to trace or understand):

   to decipher hieroglyphics.

   Synonyms: explain, unravel, solve, comprehend

3. to interpret by the use of a key, as something written in cipher:

   to decipher a secret message.

4. Obsolete. to depict; portray.

decipher

/ dɪˈsaɪfə /

verb

1. to determine the meaning of (something obscure or illegible)
2. to convert from code into plain text; decode

Derived Forms

• deˈcipherable, adjective
• deˌcipheraˈbility, noun
• deˈcipherer, noun
• deˈcipherment, noun

Other Words From

• de·cipher·a·ble adjective
• de·cipher·a·bili·ty noun
• de·cipher·er noun
• de·cipher·ment noun
• unde·cipher·a·ble adjective
• unde·cipher·a·bly adverb
• unde·ciphered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decipher¹

First recorded in 1520–30; translation of Middle French déchiffrer; equivalent to de- + cipher

Example Sentences

What a joy it’s going to be trying to decipher whatever is said by whoever becomes Trump’s press secretary, with Budowich in charge behind the scenes.

From Salon

Daydreaming, after all, is powerful, and as “Great Gold Bird” gets weirder — we’re soon canvassing the trailer looking for hidden rooms, hunting for VHS tapes and trying to decipher maps of Los Angeles — “Great Gold Bird” becomes a tale of magical realism.

From Los Angeles Times

Californians already grappling with the challenges that come with unemployment will no longer have to decipher a lot of jargon when applying for unemployment benefits, thanks to a simpler online application the state rolled out Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

So, to decipher the strengths and weaknesses of both clubs, as well as the factors that could determine the best-of-seven series, The Times spoke with two rival major league scouts with extensive knowledge of each team who spoke under condition of anonymity in order to speak freely.

From Los Angeles Times

During that “Modern Love” podcast, when he was trying to decipher why he had started crying, Garfield made a confession that felt particularly raw: “I’m sad. Sad at losing anyone, anything, at the transience of certain relationships in my life, losing my mother, of course, the idea of losing my father, of not being there when my nephews are my age or older, the concept of not having children of my own.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze
• break down
• decode
• deduce
• elucidate
• interpret
• solve
• translate
• unravel