decipher Meaning & Definition
What Does Decipher Mean?
As a verb, decipher means To convert a code or cipher to plain text. It can also mean To read text that is almost illegible or obscure. As a noun, it means A decipherment; a decoding.
Decipher at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | decode |
| Plural | deciphers |
| Verb forms | deciphers, deciphering, deciphered |
Decipher Definition (Verb)
- To convert a code or cipher to plain text.
- To read text that is almost illegible or obscure.
- To make sense of a complex situation.
- To find a solution to a problem.
Decipher as a Noun
- A decipherment; a decoding.
Verb
- To decode or decrypt a code or cipher to plain text.
Synonyms of Decipher
Decipher synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Decipher
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Decipher in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
decipher (third-person singular simple present deciphers, present participle deciphering, simple past and past participle deciphered)
decipher (plural deciphers)
Words That Rhyme With Decipher
Origin of Decipher
As decypher, but not retaining the y from the Old French etyma of cipher (cyfre, cyffre); the i spelling tends to be preferred etymologically, being consistent with its cognates, the French déchiffrer and the Italian decifrare, and with their common ancestor, the Medieval Latin cifra, cifera, ciphra. By surface analysis, de- + cipher.
How to Pronounce Decipher
You say decipher as //dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)//. It has 1 syllable.
Decipher: Your Questions Answered
Is decipher a verb or a noun?
Decipher is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for decipher?
You can replace decipher with words such as decode. See the full list of decipher synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of decipher?
The plural of decipher is deciphers.
What is the past tense of decipher?
The past tense of decipher is deciphered. The present participle is deciphering.