cypher
- noun
- /ˈsaɪfər/
- Offensive
- He felt like a cypher in the discussion, as no one seemed to notice his presence.
I'm just not the right cipher or host to bring out the best in that person.
- I'm just not the right cipher or host to bring out the best in that person.
Examples
-
The women are mostly relegated to simpering cyphers.
Blog text (3) -
David Falconer was one man, he determined, who would never submit to being treated as a cypher by the headstrong lady.
Fiction book (1990) -
The sitter remains a cipher, her personality as much as her identity a mystery.
-
She's more of a complete cipher than we've ever had in recent presidential politics.
-
Maybe like Melania herself, a cipher whose eyes seem to betray an inner emptiness.
-
Despite being the most talented player on the team, he was treated like a cypher by his coaches.
-
In her family gatherings, she often felt like a cypher, with others ignoring her contributions.
Synonyms
A person who is not important or well known
A person who is unimportant and ignored
A person with no power or importance in a group
A person who is unimportant and has no influence
A person who does not keep a steady job
A foolish person who others treat as unimportant
Antonyms
How Important
- Offensive
Surface Forms
Etymology
Cypher meaning a person of no importance comes from the old word sifr for 'zero' or 'nothing'. That's why calling someone a cypher is like saying they are 'zero' in influence or value.