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Decode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decode

[dɪˈkoʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

communication

To convert a coded message into intelligible language.

Synonyms

decrypt, interpret, translate, unscramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decode

Utilized for converting coded messages or signals back into understandable language or format.

  • The team managed to decode the alien transmission easily
  • After hours of work, she was able to decode the secret message
decrypt

Applied in a cybersecurity or cryptography context to convert encrypted data back to its original form. This usually involves a higher security or technical aspect.

  • The software was designed to decrypt sensitive financial information
  • The hacker's goal was to decrypt the protected files
interpret

Used when explaining or bringing out the meaning of something, especially dealing with art, dreams, or complex data. It can be subjective.

  • The psychologist helped her interpret her dreams
  • He was asked to interpret the data for the non-technical audience
translate

Used when converting text from one language to another. It generally involves languages rather than codes or technical data.

  • The document was translated from French to English
  • She works as a translator and is fluent in four languages
unscramble

Used for converting jumbled or mixed-up text or data into a readable and understandable format. Often less formal and more contextually related to puzzles or simple codes.

  • I need help to unscramble this word puzzle
  • The technician unscrambled the TV signal after the storm

Examples of usage

  • He tried to decode the secret message.
  • She was able to decode the encrypted file.
  • The detective decoded the hidden message.
  • They used a special software to decode the signal.
  • We need to decode the message before we can understand it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'decode'

The word 'decode' originated from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'reverse' and 'code' which refers to a system of symbols used to represent information. The term first appeared in the mid-19th century in the context of telegraphy and cryptography, where it was used to describe the process of converting encoded messages back into their original form. Over time, 'decode' has become a commonly used term in various fields such as technology, communication, and data analysis.

See also: codebase, codebreaker, codebreaking, coded, coder, coders, codes, coding, encode.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,520, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.