What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encode
Example
The video was encoded in a high-definition format for better quality. [encoded: past tense]
Example
The password was encoded to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information. [encoded: verb]
code
Example
I need to write some code to fix this bug in the software. [code: noun]
Example
The message was written in a secret code that only a few people could understand. [code: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Code is more commonly used than encode in everyday language. Code has a wider range of meanings and applications, including computer programming, cryptography, and even social or cultural systems of communication. Encode, on the other hand, is a more specific term used mainly in digital media and communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between encode and code?
Both encode and code are technical terms and are generally used in formal contexts. However, code can also be used in non-technical contexts, such as referring to a system of conduct or ethics.
