"Descifrar" is a transitive verb used in Spanish that means to interpret or decode something that is difficult to understand, such as a code, message, or even a complex situation. The term is frequently used in general contexts, including law (decoding legal texts), military (interpreting signals), and figurative language (understanding complex emotions or situations).
In terms of usage frequency, "descifrar" appears more often in written contexts, such as literature, legal documents, and academic papers, but it is also used in spoken language, particularly in discussions about understanding or making sense of complicated matters.
Necesitamos descifrar este código antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
We need to decipher this code before it’s too late.
Ella intenta descifrar sus sentimientos hacia él.
She is trying to decipher her feelings for him.
Los investigadores están trabajando para descifrar el mensaje capturado.
The researchers are working to decipher the captured message.
"Descifrar" is involved in various idiomatic expressions, particularly those related to understanding complex situations or messages.
Es difícil descifrar la situación actual del mercado.
It is difficult to decipher the current situation of the market.
Descifrar el misterio
To decipher the mystery
La detective tuvo que descifrar el misterio detrás del crimen.
The detective had to decipher the mystery behind the crime.
Descifrar un enigma
To decipher an enigma
Los científicos trabajan para descifrar un enigma biológico importante.
Scientists are working to decipher an important biological enigma.
Descifrar un mensaje
To decipher a message
The word "descifrar" comes from the prefix "des-" meaning 'to remove' or 'to undo' and "cifrar," which derives from the Arabic word "ṣifr" signifying 'zero' or 'to code/create in ciphers'. The association with 'ciphers' pertains to the encoding of messages or numeric systems.
Synonyms: - Interpretar (to interpret) - Decodificar (to decode) - Desentrañar (to unveil)
Antonyms: - Cifrar (to encode) - Confundir (to confuse) - Enmascarar (to mask)
This comprehensive overview of "descifrar" captures its various contexts, usages, idiomatic expressions, etymology, and related terms in both Spanish and English.