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Decouple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decouple

[diːˈkʌpl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

technology

To separate components or processes that were previously connected.

Synonyms

disconnect, separate, unlink, untie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decouple

Use when you want to talk about separating systems, processes, or ideas that are closely related. Often used in technical or engineering contexts.

  • The software update aims to decouple the user interface from the backend system
  • We need to decouple economic growth from environmental impact
disconnect

This is suitable when referring to breaking a connection, whether it is electrical, digital, or personal relationships. It can have a slightly negative connotation when talking about relationships.

  • You should disconnect the device before attempting any repairs
  • They decided to disconnect from social media for a month
separate

Use when you want to indicate the act of moving things or people apart. This can apply to both physical separation and abstract concepts.

  • We need to separate the recyclables from the trash
  • They decided to separate after five years of marriage
untie

This word is commonly used when talking about undoing knots or ties, usually in a physical context.

  • He leaned down to untie his shoelaces
  • Can you help me untie this string?
unlink

This term is best used in digital or technical contexts, implying the removal of a link or connection between elements.

  • You should unlink your old email address from your account
  • The programmer needed to unlink the two modules in the code

Examples of usage

  • By decoupling the front-end from the back-end, developers can work independently on each part of the system.
  • Decoupling the database from the application layer improves scalability and flexibility.
  • The new update aims to decouple the software modules for easier maintenance.
  • In microservices architecture, decoupling allows for better fault isolation.
  • Decoupling the hardware components enables easier upgrades and replacements.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, decoupling refers to removing interactions between systems, allowing for clearer analysis of each system individually.
  • In ecology, decoupling can describe how species interact within ecosystems when their dependencies are weakened.

Technology

  • In software engineering, decoupling is a design principle aimed at reducing dependencies between components to enhance flexibility and maintainability.
  • Cloud computing often involves decoupling services to allow for independent scaling of resources.

Psychology

  • Decoupling emotions from thoughts can help individuals process their feelings more effectively, leading to better emotional regulation.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy often encourages techniques that involve decoupling negative thoughts from emotional responses to improve mental health.

Business

  • In strategy, companies decouple operations to improve accountability and performance by having separate teams for different tasks.
  • Decoupling in finance can indicate the separation of asset classes to study their individual performance without external influences.

Origin of 'decouple'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'de-' means to remove or reverse, while 'couple' comes from Latin, meaning to link or join together.
  • The word has roots in the 19th-century rail industry, where it described the act of separating train cars from each other.

The word 'decouple' originated from the combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'reverse' and the word 'couple' meaning 'join together'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the context of mechanics and engineering, referring to the separation of interconnected parts or systems. Over time, 'decouple' has been adopted in various fields, including technology, business, and relationships, to describe the act of separating or disentangling previously linked elements.

See also: coupled, coupling.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,691 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.