General Meaning:
* To convert something from a coded or encrypted form into its original, understandable form. This is the most common meaning of the word. Think of deciphering a secret message or understanding a code.
Specific Examples:
* In linguistics and reading: Decoding refers to the process of understanding written words by associating letters and combinations of letters with their corresponding sounds.
* In computer science: Decoding refers to the process of converting digital data from one format to another, usually for the purpose of making it understandable by a specific device or software.
* In technology: Decoding can refer to the process of converting a digital signal into an analog signal, such as with audio or video.
* In biology: Decoding can refer to the process of deciphering the genetic code, understanding how DNA sequences translate into proteins.
Essentially, decoding is about taking something that is hidden or encoded and making it understandable.