decipher — to convert a text written in code, or a coded signal, into normal language
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to convert a text written in code, or a coded signal, into normal language
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈsaɪfər/
Example Sentences
- The spy spent hours trying to decipher the enemy's secret message, but it looked like alien language to him.
- Students often struggle to decipher their professor's lecture notes written on the blackboard.
- My mom asked me to decipher the doctor's prescription, but his handwriting looks like chicken scratches.
decipher
VERB[/dɪˈsaɪfər/]
to convert a text written in code, or a coded signal, into normal language
The detective used a magnifying glass to decipher the smeared ink on the torn letter.
DE(remove) + CIPHER(code) — the scanner removed the CIPHER to decipher the hidden word.
He turned on the wiper to decipher the blurry street sign in the rain.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the prefix 'de-' (meaning to reverse or remove) combined with 'cipher' (from Arabic 'sifr' meaning zero or empty, later referring to a secret code). The word emerged in the 16th century to describe the process of decoding encrypted messages.
Breakdown
de- (reverse, remove) + cipher (code, secret writing) = decipher (to decode or convert coded text into readable language)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The spy spent hours trying to decipher the enemy's secret message, but it looked like alien language to him.”
“Students often struggle to decipher their professor's lecture notes written on the blackboard.”
“My mom asked me to decipher the doctor's prescription, but his handwriting looks like chicken scratches.”
“Archaeologists use advanced technology to decipher ancient manuscripts.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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