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decipher definition

de·ci·pher (dē sī′fər, di-)

transitive verb

  1. to translate (a message in cipher or code) into ordinary, understandable language; decode
  2. to make out the meaning of (ancient inscriptions, illegible writing, etc.)

Etymology: de- + cipher

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

decipher Synonyms

decipher

v.

decode, interpret, read, make clear, translate, spell, unravel, reveal, unfold, elucidate, solve, interpret by use of a key, find the key to, disentangle, expound, render, construe, explain, unscramble, decrypt, make out, figure out, make head or tail of*, break (a code)*, crack*, dope out*; see also solve, translate 1.

Antonyms misunderstand*, fail to solve, misconstrue.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

decipher Usage Examples

Object

  • hieroglyph: From what was etched in this stone, 19th century scholars were able to begin deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Noun phrase with adjective complement

  • such: An hour is not much in which to attempt to decipher a building such as this.

Adjective complement

  • due: The program was also of a good standard, although the announcements were difficult to decipher due to use of a troublesome radio microphone.

Modifying Another Word

  • exactly: He ensures that the work cannot be deciphered exactly.

Used with why or when

  • what: To help you decipher what was said we have included our own comments.

Preposition: of

  • code: With the deciphering of human genetic code, man hopes to play the role of the maker of his destiny.
decipher usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"decipher." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/decipher>

APA Style

decipher. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/decipher

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