Pronunciation: /dɪˈsaɪ.fər/

Definitions of decipher

noun a key to interpreting or deciphering something

Example Sentences

A1 I tried to decipher the ancient symbols on the stone tablet.

A2 The detective was able to decipher the code left by the criminal.

B1 It took me a while to decipher the handwriting in the old letter.

B2 The linguist was able to decipher the meaning of the ancient manuscript.

C1 The cryptographer spent months trying to decipher the encrypted message.

C2 The historian was able to decipher the lost language of an ancient civilization.

verb to convert (a text written in code) into ordinary language; decode

Example Sentences

A1 She tried to decipher the ancient symbols on the wall.

A2 The detective had to decipher the cryptic message left at the crime scene.

B1 It took me a while to decipher the instructions in the manual.

B2 The linguist was able to decipher the ancient text and translate it into modern language.

C1 The codebreaker was able to decipher the encrypted message and reveal its contents.

C2 The archaeologist spent years trying to decipher the hieroglyphics on the ancient tablet.

Examples of decipher in a Sentence

formal The cryptographer was able to decipher the complex code within minutes.

informal I can't seem to decipher this handwriting, can you help me?

slang I'm trying to decipher what she really meant by that text message.

figurative It took me a while to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words.

Grammatical Forms of decipher

past tense

deciphered

plural

deciphers

comparative

more decipherable

superlative

most decipherable

present tense

decipher

future tense

will decipher

perfect tense

has deciphered

continuous tense

is deciphering

singular

decipher

positive degree

decipher

infinitive

to decipher

gerund

deciphering

participle

deciphered

Origin and Evolution of decipher

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'decipher' originated from the Latin word 'decipherare', which means 'to decode'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of decoding secret messages, the word 'decipher' has evolved to also refer to understanding or interpreting something that is difficult or obscure.