decipher

/dɪˈsaɪfə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈsaɪfər/ (ame, ipa) · /dē-ˈsī-fər/ (ame, mw)

decipher — verb

  • decipherpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • deciphershe / she / it
  • decipheredpast simple
  • deciphering-ing form

1. to successfully read or understand writing that is in code, hard to see clearly,

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to successfully read or understand writing that is in code, hard to see clearly, or expressed in a confusing way

例句

The archivist carefully deciphered the faded handwriting on the medieval map.

deciphered + object (handwriting/writing)

Hyun could not decipher the ancient script carved into the stone tablet.

could not decipher + ancient script

同義詞
  • decode

    more technical; strongly tied to codes and computers rather than messy handwriting

  • crack

    informal; suggests solving a difficult puzzle or code (e.g. 'crack a password')

  • interpret

    broader; can apply to meanings, symbols, or data beyond written text

反義詞
  • encode

    to convert a message into code — the opposite direction

  • confuse

    to make something harder to understand, opposite of clarifying meaning

文法句型

decipher + object

can/could decipher

passive: be deciphered

用法筆記

The object is usually a piece of writing, code, or signal that is hard to process — not a person's feelings or intentions. For reading emotional signals, use 'read' or 'interpret' instead.

常見錯誤

❌I tried to decipher her feelings from her expression.
✅I tried to read her feelings from her expression.
💡'decipher' is for written or encoded text, not for emotional reading.