decoding

Everyday

1. Decoding means turning a secret code or message back into normal words so it can be read. tree →
2. In reading, decoding is sounding out letters to work out what a written word says. tree →
3. In computing, decoding means changing data from one form into one people or machines can use, like turning a file into a video. tree →

In the lessons

In phonics and English lessons, decoding is a key reading skill: blending letter sounds to read a word (c-a-t, cat). In maths and computing lessons, pupils enjoy decoding secret messages with ciphers. In history, decoding enemy messages at Bletchley Park helped in the Second World War. Phrases: «decoding words», «decoding a message».

Examples

• Decoding new words gets easier with practice. tree →
• The spies were decoding the secret message all night. tree →
• Alan Turing's team worked on decoding enemy codes. tree →
• We used a key to decoding the pirate's map. tree →
• My little brother is good at decoding but slower at understanding. tree →
• The computer is decoding the video so it can play. tree →
• Decoding the number puzzle took us twenty minutes. tree →

Note

«Decode» = de- (undo) + code. Opposite: encoding. Regular verb, drop the «e» before «-ing». In reading, decoding (saying the word) is different from comprehension (understanding it).