What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decrypt
Example
The IT specialist was able to decrypt the confidential file. [decrypt: verb]
Example
The spy had to decrypt the coded message to get the information. [decrypt: verb]
decode
Example
The cryptographer was able to decode the message using his knowledge of ciphers. [decode: verb]
Example
The student had to decode the scientific article to understand it better. [decode: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decode is more commonly used than decrypt in everyday language. Decode is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while decrypt is less common and is mostly used in the context of security and confidentiality.
Whatβs the difference in the tone of formality between decrypt and decode?
While decrypt is typically associated with a technical and formal tone, decode can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.