Configuration
/kənˌfɪɡəˈreɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe arrangement of the parts of something or the way in which they are organized or put together; the process of arranging something in a particular form.
/kənˌfɪɡəˈreɪʃən/
The arrangement of elements in a particular form, figure, or combination.
The software's configuration options allowed for customization.
💡 Simply: Think of it like setting things up in a specific way. Like when you set up your new phone, you're doing its configuration! You are making arrangements for the phone to do what you want.
👶 For kids: How things are set up or put together, like the way toys are arranged.
More Examples
The team made several changes to the team's configuration before the project's launch.
The default configuration may not be optimal for all users.
How It's Used
"The network configuration allows for secure data transfer."
"The configuration of the aircraft's wings affects its aerodynamics."
"The planetary configuration tonight is particularly rare."
The resulting arrangement or form of something that has been configured.
/kənˌfɪɡəˈreɪʃən/
The resulting product of the act of configuring something.
The final configuration of the product was tested extensively.
💡 Simply: It's what you have *after* setting things up. Like, the configuration of your computer is what you get after all the setting up is done!
👶 For kids: What something looks like after you've set it up a certain way.
More Examples
The configuration needed to be updated to improve performance.
Ensure the backup system is in the correct configuration.
How It's Used
"The configuration of the server was completed successfully."
"The company provides configuration services for its products."
Idioms & expressions
configuration file
A file containing settings and parameters that control the behavior of a software program or system.
"The application's configuration file must be updated to reflect the new server address."
From Middle French *configuration*, from Latin *configuratio* ('a shaping, a form, a constellation'), from *configurare* ('to shape together, to fashion'), from *con-* ('together') + *figurare* ('to shape, form').
The term 'configuration' appeared in the late 17th century, initially in astronomy to describe planetary arrangements, and later became broadly used in technical fields.
Memory tip
Imagine you're building with LEGOs - the configuration is how you arrange the bricks to create your final structure.