What does it mean to decipher something?

To decipher something means to figure it out or decode it. This term is often used in contexts where a message, code, or piece of writing is difficult to read or understand, and requires skill and effort to interpret correctly. When one deciphers a text, they are breaking it down to discover the intended meaning or hidden information. In fields like cryptography, for example, deciphering is essential for translating coded messages into understandable language. This skill can also apply to literature, history, and everyday situations where clarity is needed.

The other options indicate actions that are contrary to understanding or interpreting information. Ignoring a message suggests a complete disregard for it, exaggerating a statement implies distortion or embellishment of information, and forgetting previous knowledge denotes a loss of understanding rather than revealing or clarifying it. Therefore, the essence of deciphering lies in the positive act of understanding and revealing meaning rather than masking or ignoring it.