decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd 

decoded; decoding; decodes

transitive verb

1

a

: to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form

b

: to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)

2

a

: decipher sense 3a

b

: to discover the underlying meaning of

decode the play's imagery

Did you know?

To decode is to take out of code and put into understandable language. (Its opposite is encode, "to put into coded form".) But dreams may sometimes also be decoded; psychologists often try to decode the images of their patients' dreams so as to understand the emotions behind them. And readers must often decode what a novel or story or poem is telling them, which may require two or three readings. Decipher is often a synonym, though we now use it when talking about reading difficult handwriting.

Synonyms

• break
• crack
• decipher
• decrypt

Examples of decode in a Sentence

Readers can easily decode the novel's imagery.

I'm trying to decode the expression on her face.

The box decodes the digital signal for your CD player.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecutors decoded the message to mean that Henry should keep Hamilton away from testifying, according to court records. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 June 2024

Researchers want to identify sound patterns and decode them, to better understand how animals process structured and more abstract information. —T. Nelson Thompson, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024

Dedicated video encoding and decoding hardware allows slow, dirt-cheap ARM processors in Roku boxes or Fire sticks to play back 4K video streams. —Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024

In Death’s End, Cheng Xin decodes the meaning of one of the fairy tales with the use of an origami boat and is able to unlock the secret of light-speed technology. —Zing Tsjeng, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

decode

verb

de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd 

: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language

decoder noun