decode

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'decode' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the process of converting coded information from one form to another. For example: "The scientists decoded the ancient hieroglyphs to decipher their hidden meaning".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In America, "HD capable" refers to HDTVs with built-in tuners that can decode terrestrial HDTV signals; while a "digital cable ready" HDTV set contains a decoder for HDTV signals delivered via cable.All of this gobbledegook helps to explain HDTV's dirty little secret: that around 80% of HDTV sets are not receiving HDTV broadcasts.

The Economist

As it is, the world has been left to decode the post-gala lunge by Solange Knowles at Jay Z from other sources – primarily, she and her sister's accounts on Instagram, the world's foremost wire service for passive aggressively-rendered news.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latest attempt to decode the feminist punk rocker lands in April, 21 years after his suicide.

The Guardian - Film

Picasso will not decode the works for the viewer, though he says he identifies most with the image of the wheel, which appears in many of his works.

The Guardian - Arts

That makes it possible for hackers to decode such keys in minutes rather than hours.

The Economist

BSkyB, the satellite broadcaster owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, and Itv Digital, a terrestrial broadcaster, have each spent heavily giving away the set-top boxes needed to decode their services.

The Economist

The researchers were able to encode and decode five computer files, including an MP3 recording of part of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech and a PDF version of the 1953 paper by Francis Crick and James Watson describing the structure of DNA.

The Economist

That raises the possibility of genetic information being used to discriminate against individuals or to deny coverage, a scenario that many Americans fear.To encourage confidentiality, both deCODE and 23andMe say they will accept customers anonymously, using aliases and PayPal accounts.

The Economist

For example, 23andMe says that anyone using its service must agree to have his data aggregated anonymously for research purposes, and deCODE says it would like to aggregate data too.The latest step towards personalised genomics may cast light on the practice of medicine but it is also creating shadows of its own.

The Economist

Since each nucleotide has a different shape, the result can be used to decode their order.Whoever wins the race, Marc Hodosh, science director for the Archon X Prize, says their level of technology is likely to equate to a cost of $10,000 a genome.

The Economist

"And leadership isn't just about having technical skills and economic savvy, but about having a broad range of skills".In other words, Stanford wants its future Brins and Pages to know not just how to code but also how to decode Mozart symphonies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technical subjects, ensure you're using "decode" in the correct context. For example, use "decode" when something is converted from code into a readable format, while use "interpret" when trying to understand an abstract concept.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "decode" with "encode". "Decode" means to convert coded information into plain text, while "encode" means to convert plain text into code.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "decode" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the action of converting encoded information into a comprehensible form. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decode" functions as a transitive verb signifying the conversion of coded information into an understandable format. Ludwig AI validates its wide applicability across various contexts. Its usage spans from formal scientific discourse to neutral news reporting, with frequent appearances in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" domains. Common writing errors include confusing it with its antonym, "encode". For alternatives, you can use "decipher", "interpret", or "translate" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decipher

This alternative focuses on the act of discovering the meaning of something obscure.

decrypt

This term specifically relates to converting encrypted data into a readable format.

interpret

This option emphasizes the process of explaining the meaning of something.

unravel

This suggests untangling a complex or confusing situation or message.

translate

This alternative describes the conversion of information from one language or code to another.

break down

This implies simplifying complex information to understand it better.

understand

This focuses on grasping the meaning or significance of something.

make sense of

This suggests finding a coherent meaning in something confusing.

figure out

This is an informal way of saying to discover or understand something.

solve

This alternative is about finding a solution to a puzzle or problem.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "decode"?

The word "decode" means to convert something from a coded or encrypted format into a readable or understandable form. It's often used in the context of signals, data, or messages.

What can I say instead of "decode"?

You can use alternatives like "decipher", "interpret", or "translate" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "decode" only used for technical contexts?

While "decode" is frequently used in technical contexts like computer science or telecommunications, it can also be used more broadly to describe understanding or interpreting complex information or situations. For instance, one might say they are trying to "decode" someone's behavior.

Which is correct, "decode" or "encode"?

"Decode" and "encode" are antonyms. "Decode" means to convert coded information into plain text, while "encode" means to convert plain text into code. The correct word depends on the direction of the conversion you're describing.