How to pronounce decipher
Say it like dih-SY-fer. Decipher has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SY).
- dih
- SY
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decipher pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of decipher
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-SY-fuh.
What does decipher mean?
- 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.
- A decipherment; a decoding.
Where does decipher come from?
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 the
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with decipher
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decipher.
Questions about saying decipher
How do you pronounce decipher?
Say dih-SY-fer. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈsaɪfɚ/. In British English it is /dɪˈsaɪfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decipher?
Decipher has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SY). Broken into parts: dih · SY · fer.
Is decipher pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /dɪˈsaɪfə/ (dih-SY-fuh).