decoded

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Converted a coded message or signal into normal language or an usable form.

   Grammar: Past tense and past participle of 'decode'; takes an object, e.g. 'She decoded the message.'

   Patterns

   • decode something
   • decode something into something
   • be decoded as something

   The spy decoded the secret message using a special key.

   The computer decoded the file and displayed the text.

   The signal was decoded into a series of numbers.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Having been converted from a code into ordinary language or a clear form.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, e.g. 'a decoded message'.

   Patterns

   • decoded message
   • decoded signal
   • decoded text

   The decoded message revealed the meeting place.

   He read the decoded text aloud to the group.

Word forms

Common combinations

decode a message

They worked all night to decode the message.

decode a signal

The device can decode signals from satellites.

decoded information

The decoded information helped the police.

be decoded as

The symbols were decoded as letters.

Synonyms and how they differ

decipher

Often used for handwriting or ancient writing that is hard to read; 'decode' is more common for secret codes or electronic signals.

interpret

Focuses on explaining the meaning; 'decode' focuses on converting the form from code to plain text.

Opposites

Word family

decode verb

To convert a coded message into normal language.

decoder noun

A device or program that decodes signals.

decoding noun

The process of converting code into plain form.

Commonly confused: decoded or encrypted?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “decoded”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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