Word
configuration
Phoneticscon·fig·u·ra·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/kənˌfɪɡjɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/kənfˌɪɡjʊɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01general arrangement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the way that parts of something are organized or positioned to form a specific shape or system.
n. the relative arrangement or disposition of the parts or elements of a thing.
“The seating configuration in the hall allowed everyone to see the stage clearly.”
“The aircraft's wing configuration was specifically designed to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency during long-haul flights.”
Synonyms
02computing setup
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical
n. the specific settings or parts that make a computer or software work in a certain way.
n. the functional arrangement of hardware and software components in a computer system, or the specific settings chosen for a program.
“You can change the network configuration in the system settings menu.”
“The server's default configuration proved insufficient for the high volume of traffic received during the product launch.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the process of setting up.
Synonyms
03chemistry/physics
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical · Academic
n. the way that electrons or atoms are arranged in a molecule.
n. the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule or the distribution of electrons in atomic orbitals.
“The chemical properties of the element depend on its electron configuration.”
“Researchers observed that a slight change in the molecular configuration completely altered the compound's reactivity with the catalyst.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “configuration” in context.
Adjective
01. particular configuration
“The software requires a particular configuration of hardware to run at optimal speeds.”
adj + noun
02. largely configuration
Real-World Examples
“Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said drones using UK components and configurations were used to attack Russian territory, including a fuel depot in the Kamensky District of the Rostov Region.” “The ancestral configuration may have been retained in Neanderthals and in modern human females, while the modern human male pelvis underwent substantial evolutionary modification, giving rise to a distinctive anatomical configuration.” “In its most extended configuration, ALMA could zoom into structures only a few au across in Orion KL.” Etymology
From Middle French configuration, from Latin cōnfigūrātiō. Morphologically configure + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/configuration