encode
encode — verb
1. to change information, a message, or a piece of data into a special code or syst
to change information, a message, or a piece of data into a special code or system, especially to keep it secret or to make it shorter and simpler
The spy encoded the message before sending it to headquarters.
Scientists often encode complex data into simple charts for the public.
encode + into + simplified output
Sora's note was encoded in a simple number system that only her brother understood.
The software can encode your private files so that nobody else can read them.
- decode
the reverse operation — to convert from code back to original form
文法句型
encode + object + into/as + format
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'encrypt' — encoding may or may not involve secrecy (you can encode data into a simpler format), whereas encrypting always aims to hide information. The opposite operation is 'decode.'
常見錯誤
2. to convert information into a digital form that a computer can read, store, or p
to convert information into a digital form that a computer can read, store, or process
The program encodes the image into a format the website can display.
For the video to play on older devices, it must be encoded in MP4 format.
passive: be encoded in [format]
Soraya encoded the Mandarin podcast episodes into MP3 format before uploading them to the classroom server.
Shirin's grandmother's handwritten letters were scanned and encoded in UTF-8 so the Persian script would display correctly online.
- decode
the reverse operation — to convert from digital code back to original form
文法句型
encode + object + in/into + format
be encoded in + format
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the passive voice (be encoded). In casual conversation, 'convert' or 'save as' is more natural. The opposite operation is 'decode.' The object is typically a digital file or data stream.
常見錯誤
3. to express an idea or feeling by choosing the right words or grammatical pattern
to express an idea or feeling by choosing the right words or grammatical patterns, especially in a language you are still learning
Even advanced learners sometimes struggle to encode certain ideas correctly in English.
encode + idea + in + language
Ritu practiced how to encode the polite form of the request in Japanese.
Before her job interview, Isabela practiced encoding her technical skills in plain English for the manager.
The phrase was hard to encode in Spanish because no exact equivalent exists.
文法句型
encode + object + in + language
用法筆記
This is a technical use in language-learning and linguistics contexts. In everyday conversation, learners would more naturally use 'express' or 'put into words.' Common in formal or academic writing about second-language acquisition.
常見錯誤
4. (in biology) to contain the genetic instructions that determine the production o
(in biology) to contain the genetic instructions that determine the production of a specific protein or biological function in a living organism
This section of DNA encodes the protein that helps build muscle tissue.
The gene that encodes insulin was identified decades ago by researchers.
passive: gene encodes [protein]
Lukas studied a mutation in the gene that encodes a key liver enzyme.
Errors in the DNA region that encodes the protein can cause serious illness.
文法句型
gene/DNA + encode + protein
用法筆記
Technical term in genetics. The subject is always a gene, a section of DNA, or a chromosome. The object is always a protein or enzyme — never a visible trait or characteristic of an organism.