Decode
/diːˈkoʊd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo interpret or convert (coded information) into a comprehensible form.
/diːˈkoʊd/
To convert code into an understandable form.
The detective spent hours trying to decode the ransom note.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a secret message written in symbols. Decoding means figuring out what those symbols mean so you can understand the message. Like when you read a puzzle!
👶 For kids: To figure out what a secret code means.
More Examples
Scientists are working to decode the human genome.
She learned to decode the complex instructions for assembling the model.
How It's Used
"The spy needed to decode the secret message to learn the enemy's plans."
"The software decodes the digital signal into audio."
"Researchers are trying to decode ancient hieroglyphs."
To understand or find the meaning of (something).
/diːˈkoʊd/
To understand or find the meaning of something.
It took her a while to decode the complex instructions.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are reading a book and you don't understand a sentence. To decode it means to figure out what that sentence is trying to say.
👶 For kids: To figure out what something means.
More Examples
They had to decode the clues to solve the mystery.
How It's Used
"The therapist helped the patient decode their recurring dreams."
"Readers must decode the symbolism in the poem to grasp its meaning."
Idioms & expressions
decode someone's actions
To understand the reasons behind a person's behavior or actions, often by looking for hidden meanings or intentions.
"It can be challenging to decode someone's actions if they're being intentionally ambiguous."
From French *dé* ('de-', 'un-') + English *code*, from Latin *codex* ('book, written code').
The term began being used in the context of breaking secret codes in the early 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a secret code that needs to be broken down into its meaning.