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Word a Day

decipher

verb · /dɪˈsaɪfɚ/ · Level 3 · Advanced

What does decipher mean?

decipher (verb): to read text that is almost illegible or obscure.

Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

How do you use decipher in a sentence?

How do you pronounce decipher?

/dɪˈsaɪfɚ/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.

Where does decipher come from?

As decypher, but not retaining the y from the Old French etyma of cipher (cyfre, cyffre).

Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Test yourself: do you know “decipher”?

Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.

What does “decipher” mean?

bring into common action, movement, or condition

Not quite: that's what coordinate means.

to read text that is almost illegible or obscure

Right! That's what “decipher” means.

show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

Not quite: that's what exhibit means.

to deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture

Not quite: that's what seize means.

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