What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deciphering
Example
I had a hard time deciphering the doctor's handwriting on the prescription. [deciphering: gerund or present participle]
Example
The archaeologist spent years deciphering the ancient hieroglyphics. [deciphering: verb]
interpret
Example
The teacher asked the students to interpret the poem in their own words. [interpret: verb]
Example
The interpreter translated the speech from Spanish to English. [interpreter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpret is more commonly used than deciphering in everyday language. Interpret is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deciphering is less common and refers to a specific type of decoding or translation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deciphering and interpret?
Both deciphering and interpretation can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, deciphering is typically associated with technical or scientific fields, while interpretation is more commonly used in humanities and social sciences, which may affect their level of formality.
