decipher

Meaning

Verb

1. (transitive) To convert a code or cipher to plain text.
2. (transitive) To read text that is almost illegible or obscure
3. (transitive) To make sense of a complex situation.
4. (transitive) To find a solution to a problem.

Noun

A decipherment; a decoding.

Opposite of

encipher, encode, encrypt

Synonyms

decode

decrypt

solve

interpret

trace

read

📖

make out

unravel

spell out

understand

break

break off

decide

unscramble

interpretation

resolve

fathom

unlock

🔓

unroll

see

👀

expose

divine

decamp

distinguish

dismantle

construe

disentangle

explicate

process

expound

discern

comprehend

break out

disassemble

determine

clear up

defuse

loosen

loose

decryption

clear

meet

nail

offload

open

open up

break in

pull down

puzzle out

knock down

Translations

déchiffrer

descifrar

decifrare

entziffern

entschlüsseln

dechiffrieren

αποκρυπτογραφώ

décrypter

decifrar

ontcijferen

decodificare

décoder

ontraadselen

desxifrar

decrittare

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Cognate with Old French: -

Cognate with French: déchiffrer

Cognate with Italian: decifrare

In summary

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.