decipher
|de/ci/pher|
B2
🇺🇸
/dɪˈsaɪfər/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈsaɪfə/
decode or interpret
Etymology
Etymology Information
'decipher' originates from the Old French word 'déchiffrer', where 'dé-' meant 'to remove' and 'chiffre' meant 'cipher or zero'.
Historical Evolution
'déchiffrer' transformed into the English word 'decipher' during the late Middle English period.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to remove a cipher', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to decode or interpret'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to convert a text written in code, or a coded message, into normal language.
The archaeologist was able to decipher the ancient script.
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Antonyms
Verb 2
to make out the meaning of something difficult to understand.
She tried to decipher his handwriting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40