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

Other Word Forms

• decipherable adjective
• decipherability noun
• decipherer noun
• decipherment noun
• undecipherable adjective
• undecipherably adverb
• undeciphered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decipher¹

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

Example Sentences

It was used to help decipher the genetic code, and in the 1970s it became the first organism to be genetically engineered when foreign DNA was inserted into it – laying the foundation for modern biotechnology.

From BBC

Someone with a parasocial attachment to the pair would have a field day trying to decipher which of the album’s eight tracks are about the other.

From Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court is forcing lower court judges to decipher meaning from Supreme Court decisions as if they’re the Rosetta stone.

From Salon

Surely, the viewer can put two and two together on their own to decipher a deeper meaning within the text without the message being spoon-fed to them.

From Salon

There’s no need to decipher her because it’s not that complicated, regardless of her cultural identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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