How to Pronounce “decipher”
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- British (UK)
- /dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/
What “decipher” means
verb — To convert a code or cipher to plain text.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “decipher” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "decipher" mean?
decipher (verb): To convert a code or cipher to plain text.
Which syllable is stressed in "decipher"?
“decipher” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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