Decipher vs. Interpret — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Deciphering involves converting something obscured or in code into understandable language, while interpreting is about explaining or providing the meaning of something more broadly.
Difference Between Decipher and Interpret
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Deciphering typically involves a structured process to convert encoded or obscure messages into understandable language, often requiring specific knowledge or keys. On the other hand, interpreting involves understanding and explaining the meaning of something, which can include language, behaviors, or symbols, and often relies on context, cultural knowledge, and subjective judgment.
Deciphering is usually applied to content that is intentionally obscured, such as encrypted messages, codes, or ancient scripts. This process often involves a systematic method or a key to unlock the original meaning. Whereas interpreting deals with content that is already in an understandable form but requires explanation, analysis, or clarification to grasp its full meaning or implications. This could involve translating spoken or sign language, explaining literary works, or understanding non-verbal cues.
Deciphering often has a definitive outcome, with a correct or incorrect result based on the accuracy of the conversion from code to clear text. Interpretation, however, can yield multiple valid outcomes, as it is influenced by the interpreter's perspective, background, and the context of the material being interpreted.
In the realm of cryptography, deciphering is a critical skill, requiring knowledge of algorithms and keys to unlock encrypted information. Interpretation, by contrast, is indispensable in fields like linguistics, literature, and psychology, where the goal is to understand and convey the nuances of language, texts, and human behavior.
Deciphering's objective nature contrasts with the subjective nature of interpreting, where different interpreters might offer diverse explanations for the same piece of content based on their unique insights and perspectives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Convert encoded information into understandable language.
Explain the meaning of something more broadly.
Application
Encrypted messages, codes, ancient scripts.
Language, literature, behaviors, symbols.
Methodology
Structured process, often requires a key.
Relies on context, cultural knowledge, subjective judgment.
Outcome
Typically definitive, with correct or incorrect results.
Can yield multiple valid perspectives.
Fields
Cryptography, archaeology, data analysis.
Linguistics, literature, psychology, art.
Compare with Definitions
Decipher
The act of converting encoded or obscured information into understandable language.
The team worked tirelessly to decipher the ancient manuscript.
Interpret
The act of explaining or providing the meaning of something, often requiring contextual understanding.
The teacher helped students interpret the complex poem.
Decipher
Requires knowledge of specific codes or keys.
The programmer had to decipher the error codes to fix the software bug.
Interpret
Translating spoken language or explaining literary works.
The diplomat had to interpret the ambassador's speech for the foreign delegation.
Decipher
Leads to a clear and definitive understanding of the original content.
After hours of work, the cryptographer was able to decipher the encrypted email.
Interpret
Can offer multiple perspectives or insights.
The audience was divided in how they interpreted the ending of the play.
Decipher
Translating encrypted messages in cryptography.
The spy needed to decipher the coded message to understand the instructions.
Interpret
In scenarios where understanding the nuances of language, behavior, or symbols is crucial.
The psychologist had to interpret the patient's dreams to understand their subconscious fears.
Decipher
In situations where information is intentionally obscured for privacy or secrecy.
Historians had to decipher the hieroglyphs to learn about ancient civilizations.
Interpret
Relies on broad knowledge, intuition, and context.
The critic was known for his ability to interpret abstract art.
Decipher
To read or interpret (ambiguous, obscure, or illegible matter).
Interpret
Explain the meaning of (information or actions)
The evidence is difficult to interpret
Decipher
To convert from a code or cipher to plaintext; decode.
Interpret
Translate orally or into sign language the words of a person speaking a different language
I agreed to interpret for Jean-Claude
Decipher
(transitive) To decode or decrypt a code or cipher to plain text.
Interpret
To explain the meaning of
The newspapers interpreted the ambassador's speech as an attempt at making peace.
Decipher
(transitive) To read text that is almost illegible or obscure
Interpret
To understand the significance of; construe
Interpreted his smile to be an agreement.
Interpreted the open door as an invitation.
Decipher
(transitive) To make sense of a complex situation.
Interpret
To present or conceptualize the meaning of by means of art or criticism
The actor interpreted the character with great subtlety.
Decipher
(transitive) To find a solution to a problem.
Interpret
To translate from one language into another
Interpreted the ambassador's remarks for the assembly.
Decipher
A decipherment; a decoding.
Interpret
To serve as an interpreter for speakers of different languages.
Decipher
To translate from secret characters or ciphers into intelligible terms; as, to decipher a letter written in secret characters.
Interpret
To decode the meaning of a topic and then act, whether to continue researching the topic, follow through, act in opposition, or further the understanding through sharing an interpretation.
Decipher
To find out, so as to be able to make known the meaning of; to make out or read, as words badly written or partly obliterated; to detect; to reveal; to unfold.
Interpret
To explain or tell the meaning of; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms. applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.
To interpret an Indian speech
Decipher
To stamp; to detect; to discover.
You are both deciphered, . . . For villains.
Interpret
To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation
The actor interpreted the character of Hamlet with great skill.
The way the musician interpreted a sonata was quite special.
An artist interprets a landscape
Decipher
Convert code into ordinary language
Interpret
(intransitive) To convey what a user of one language is saying or signing, in real time or shortly after that person has finished communicating, to a user of a different language
He interpreted at the meeting between the Chinese and French associates.
Decipher
Read with difficulty;
Can you decipher this letter?
The archeologist traced the hieroglyphs
Interpret
To analyse or execute (a program) by reading the instructions as they are encountered, rather than compiling in advance.
Interpret
To explain or tell the meaning of; to expound; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms; to decipher; to define; - applied esp. to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman; to interpret an Indian speech.
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
And Pharaoh told them his dreams; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
Interpret
To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation; as, an actor interprets the character of Hamlet; a musician interprets a sonata; an artist interprets a landscape.
Interpret
To act as an interpreter.
Interpret
Make sense of; assign a meaning to;
What message do you see in this letter?
How do you interpret his behavior?
Interpret
Give an interpretation or explanation to
Interpret
Give an interpretation or rendition of;
The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully
Interpret
Create an image or likeness of;
The painter represented his wife as a young girl
Interpret
Restate (words) from one language into another language;
I have to translate when my in-laws from Austria visit the U.S.
Can you interpret the speech of the visiting dignitaries?
She rendered the French poem into English
He translates for the U.N.
Interpret
Make sense of a language;
She understands French
Can you read Greek?
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to decipher something?
Deciphering involves converting obscured or encoded information into understandable language, often requiring specific knowledge or a key.
Can deciphering be applied to any text?
Deciphering is typically applied to texts or messages that are intentionally made obscure, such as codes or ancient scripts.
What does it mean to interpret something?
Interpreting involves explaining or providing the meaning of something, which could be language, behavior, or symbols, often relying on context and cultural knowledge.
Can the same text be deciphered and interpreted differently by different people?
A text can be deciphered in a definitive manner if the correct method or key is used, while interpretation can vary significantly among different people.
How does one become skilled at interpreting?
Gaining proficiency in interpreting involves studying languages, cultures, psychology, and practicing in real-world contexts to understand nuances and contexts better.
How important is cultural context in interpretation?
Cultural context is crucial in interpretation, as it deeply influences the meaning and perception of language, symbols, and behaviors.
Are there tools to help with deciphering?
Various tools, including software and algorithms, can assist in deciphering encrypted or coded information.
Is interpretation always subjective?
Interpretation can be subjective, as it is influenced by the interpreter's perspective, background, and the context of the material.
Is deciphering limited to written texts?
Deciphering can apply to any form of encoded information, including digital data, coded messages, and ancient inscriptions.
Can interpretation change over time?
Yes, interpretations can evolve as societal norms, languages, and cultural contexts change.
Do you need special skills to decipher or interpret?
Deciphering often requires specific knowledge of codes or keys, while interpreting relies on broader knowledge, intuition, and contextual understanding.
Can interpreting be done without understanding the original language?
Interpreting generally requires a fundamental understanding of the original language or form of communication to accurately convey the meaning.
Can a machine accurately interpret or decipher?
Machines can be programmed to decipher coded information but may struggle with the nuanced and subjective aspects of interpretation.
Is deciphering a creative process?
Deciphering can involve creative problem-solving but is generally more systematic and objective than interpreting.
Are there professional interpreters and decipherers?
Yes, there are professionals specializing in both fields, such as cryptographers, linguists, and interpreters for various languages.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
