To convert coded or unclear information into understandable form; to figure out the meaning of something difficult to read or understand. It involves solving puzzles of meaning or code.
From 'de-' (reverse) and 'cipher' (from Arabic 'sifr' meaning zero or empty). Originally meant to reverse the process of encoding, then expanded to mean figuring out any difficult or obscure meaning.
Deciphering is detective work for meaning—whether you're reading doctor's handwriting or trying to understand ancient texts! It's more active than just reading because you have to work to unlock the meaning that someone has hidden or obscured.
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