decode

[dee-kohd]

verb (used with object)

decoded, decoding 

1. to translate (data or a message) from a code into the original language or form.

2. to extract meaning from (spoken or written symbols).

3. Television.,  to unscramble (an electronic signal) so as to provide a video picture for cable subscribers.

verb (used without object)

decoded, decoding 

1. to work at decoding.

decode

/ diːˈkəʊd /

verb

1. to convert (a message, text, etc) from code into ordinary language

2. computing to convert (coded characters) from one form to another, as from binary-coded decimals to decimal numbers Compare encode

3. electronics to convert (a coded electrical signal) into normal analogue components

4. to analyse and understand the construction of words and phrases, esp in a foreign language

Other Word Forms

• decoder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decode¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; de- + code

Example Sentences

Yet no one can say they’ve decisively decoded what the show is trying to tell us.

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To understand why the researchers turned to music, it helps to decode the modern practice of anaesthesia.

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Additionally, IBM said it has shown it can use classical computing hardware to decode errors in real-time.

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To decode the message, the receiver finds the correct one-time sheet.

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Nations are known to be already stealing encrypted data from each other with a view to being able to decode it one day.

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Related Words

• clear up 
• figure out 
• interpret 
• solve 
• translate 
• unravel 
• unscramble 
• untangle