Word
binary
Phoneticsbi·na·ry, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbaɪnɝi/
UK/bˈaɪnəɹi/
Definitions
01having two parts
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having two parts or involving two things.
adj. composed of or involving two things or parts; characterized by a dual nature.
“The scientists looked at a binary star system where two stars orbit each other.”
“The researchers analyzed the binary relationship between the two chemical compounds to see how they reacted under pressure.”
02computing/math
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
adj. related to a system of numbers that uses only 0 and 1.
adj. relating to or using a system of numerical notation that has 2 as its base.
“Computers process all information using binary code made of zeros and ones.”
“The processor executes instructions by manipulating binary digits, which represent the most fundamental level of data storage.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03two exclusive choices
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. describing a situation where there are only two possible and opposite choices.
adj. relating to a system or logic where only two mutually exclusive states or outcomes are possible.
“The debate was not a simple binary choice between right and wrong.”
“Sociologists argue that viewing gender as a strict binary fails to account for the diverse experiences of many individuals.”
Synonyms
04a system of two
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a way of looking at something as having only two opposite parts.
n. a situation or system in which there are only two possible states or distinct parts.
“We need to move beyond the binary of 'us versus them' to find a solution.”
“The traditional binary of nature versus nurture is increasingly seen as an oversimplification of human development.”
05a computer file
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a type of computer file that is not just plain text.
n. an executable program or a data file stored in a format that is not human-readable text.
“You need to download the binary for the software before you can install it.”
“The developer uploaded the compiled binaries to the server, ensuring they were compatible with various operating systems.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“This builds on the binary “Clear/Tinted” toggle that Apple introduced in the 26.1 update .” “It often gets reduced to a binary: a social media ban or nothing.” Etymology
From Late Latin bīnārius (“consisting of two”), from Latin bīnī (“two-by-two, pair”). By surface analysis, bin- + -ary.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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