Incorrect spelling, explanation: you might’ve found the word cypher, and you may be confused why only the spelling decipher is correct, so here’s why: although both cipher and cypher are correct, the spelling with i better represents the pronunciation and the ai dyphtong, which is why it’s preferred, and hence decypher is not the correct spelling.
Correct spelling, explanation: decipher is constructed out of the base word cipher and the prefix de-. What’s interesting, is that cipher can be also spelled cypher, although it’s a rare form, and the spelling with i is the preferred one, which is why in most derivations of the word, such as decipher, only the spelling with i is considered correct.
Definition of decipher:
verb
1. to crack a code or an encoded message
I find it very interesting to learn how people deciphered ancient Egyptian writing.
She used a lot of difficult idioms so sometimes I couldn’t decipher what she was saying.
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seems like a clear case of Mandela Effect. Dilemna vs. Dilemma
Decypher is not incorrect. It is just an alternative spelling, retaining the ‘y’ from the Old French; cyffre.
I’d like to say thank you.
Magnificent English dictionary. A lot of useful examples here. I am sending it to several friends and additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your sweat!