Format
/ˈfɔːrmæt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo arrange or structure something in a specific way, often according to established rules or conventions.
/ˈfɔːrmæt/
To arrange something in a particular form or style.
He formatted the document with double spacing.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're organizing a messy room. Formatting is like putting everything in its place and making it look neat and tidy, whether it's words on a page or files on your computer. For example, you might format a document to have headings and bullet points to make it easier to read.
👶 For kids: To put things in the right order or way, like putting a paper in the right size or setting up a computer.
More Examples
The computer formatted the new hard drive.
We need to format the data before presenting it.
How It's Used
"I need to format my hard drive."
"The essay should be formatted according to MLA style."
The arrangement, design, or structure of something; the particular way in which something is presented.
/ˈfɔːrmæt/
The way in which something is arranged or presented.
The new website has a clean, modern format.
💡 Simply: The format is like the 'look' or 'style' of something. It's how things are set up or organized. For example, the format of a book might be paperback, while the format of a TV show might be a panel discussion.
👶 For kids: The way something looks or is set up. Like the way a book looks or a song sounds.
More Examples
The format of the meeting will be a presentation followed by Q&A.
We will adopt a different format for the next event.
How It's Used
"The newspaper changed its format to a tabloid."
"The show's new format includes interactive segments."
Idioms & expressions
format wars
A competition between different technologies or systems, particularly in the consumer electronics or computing fields, each vying to become the dominant standard.
"The Betamax vs. VHS battle was a famous format war."
follow the format
Adhering to a structure or a way something is arranged.
"Please make sure you follow the format required by the company."
From French *formater* (to shape, mold), from Latin *formare* (to form, shape), from *forma* (form).
Used in computing since the 1950s for arranging data, and more generally for style since the early 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a *form* you fill out; you're arranging information into a specific format.
Word Origin
"to shape or mold"