Template
'templɪt
Definitions
2 meaningsA pre-designed form, mold, or pattern used as a guide to make or produce something else.
'templɪt
A pattern or model used as a guide in making something.
Use the template to create a new document with the correct formatting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a birthday card. A template is like a pre-designed card that you can customize by adding your own message and pictures. It saves you time because you don't have to start from scratch!
👶 For kids: A template is like a shape or a drawing that you can trace to make lots of the same things.
More Examples
I found a template online that helps me organize my daily schedule.
The artist used a stencil template to paint the design on the wall.
How It's Used
"Developers often use templates to quickly generate common website layouts."
"She used a paper template to cut out the shapes for her quilt."
"The company provides email templates for customer service correspondence."
To use or create a template or model to guide the creation of something, or to format content based on a template.
'templeɪt
To use a template or model to shape or create something.
The programmer templated the webpage's code for different users.
💡 Simply: When you template something, you're using a pre-made design to make something new. For example, you might template an email to make a series of emails.
👶 For kids: Template is like when you use a special shape to draw a picture.
More Examples
The graphic designer templated the new logo onto the business cards.
He templated the presentation slides based on the company guidelines.
How It's Used
"The system is designed to template content for websites."
Synonyms
Form
Framework
Guide
Model
Mold
Pattern
Prototype
Design
Format
Shape
From Old French *temple* (a piece of wood used in building), from Latin *templum* (a small piece of wood, a pattern), from *temptare* (to try, test). The meaning evolved through the use of patterns for building to a general pattern for anything.
Historically, a 'template' referred to a pattern used by builders and artisans. Over time, it broadened to include any form or model used as a guide.
Memory tip
Think of a cookie cutter: it's a template for making identical cookies.