decoding

[dee-koh-ding]

noun

1. the act, process, or result of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code, written or spoken symbols, or an electronic signal.

   The device that performs the decoding is called a digital to analog converter.

   Recent decodings of the hieroglyphs at Palenque refer to dates beyond the end of the Mayan calendar.

adjective

1. relating to the process of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code or an electronic signal.

   The decoding algorithm will have to discern a valid signal from the noise.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decoding¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

These advocates have long been critical of alternative “whole language” approaches that rely heavily on the concept that children are more engaged when they learn to read with less emphasis on decoding words.

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This is a child with disabilities who, as a result of his disabilities, has a difficult time decoding, communicating, understanding.

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Even so, the attraction to decoding what Mr. Garrison’s statement about voting is understandable and a little odd in equal measure considering what else the episode had to say.

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Children who are drilled in flash cards and letter decoding may also miss out on the more essential moments of play, exploration and language.

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Some don’t like what they describe as “drill and kill” phonics lessons that teach letter sounds and decoding.

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Related Words

• adaptation 
• explanation 
• reading 
• rendering 
• rendition 
• transcription 
• version