What does "format" mean?

1. (layout of a document) the way text and pictures are arranged on a page or screen. 2. (digital file type) the specific way a computer stores information, like a PDF or a JPEG. 3. (style of presentation) the general way an event, show, or meeting is organised. 4. (to arrange a document) to change the way text looks on a page, like making it bold or changing the size. 5. (to prepare a disk) to prepare a computer disk or drive so it can store new information, which usually deletes everything on it.

How do you use "format"?

Often used with 'standard', 'consistent', or 'prescribed'. Usually takes a direct object representing a storage device.

format

n. · v.

US //ˈfɔɹˌmæt// UK //fˈɔːmæt// for·mat

1 layout of a document (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

the way text and pictures are arranged on a page or screen.

the physical or digital layout of a publication, document, or graphic interface.

Example

You need to change the format of the report to make it easier to read.

Example

The editor requested a change in the document format to ensure the margins and font sizes complied with the university's thesis guidelines.

Usage

Often used with 'standard', 'consistent', or 'prescribed'.
2 digital file type (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

the specific way a computer stores information, like a PDF or a JPEG.

the specific encoding or structure used to store data in a computer file.

Example

Please save your photo in a JPEG format before uploading it.

Example

The software supports a wide variety of video formats, allowing users to export their projects for different devices without losing quality.
- file type
- extension

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3 style of presentation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the general way an event, show, or meeting is organised.

the general organisation or mode of presentation of an event, broadcast, or artistic work.

Example

The new talk show has a very relaxed format.

Example

The conference adopted a hybrid format, combining in-person keynote speeches with virtual breakout sessions for international participants.
4 to arrange a document (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to change the way text looks on a page, like making it bold or changing the size.

to arrange or adjust the layout and appearance of text or data in a document.

Example

I spent an hour formatting the table so it would fit on one page.

Example

The researcher carefully formatted the bibliography according to the latest style guide to avoid any technical errors in the final submission.
- arrange
- style
- set up
5 to prepare a disk (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

to prepare a computer disk or drive so it can store new information, which usually deletes everything on it.

to prepare a storage medium for use by defining the structure for data storage, typically erasing existing content.

Example

You must format the new hard drive before you can save files to it.

Example

The technician had to format the corrupted drive to restore its functionality, though this resulted in the loss of all unrecovered data.

Usage

Usually takes a direct object representing a storage device.

Origin

Via French format and German Format, from New Latin liber fōrmātus (“book fashioned”), from fōrmō (“to shape, fashion”).

Word family

Nounformat
Nounformatting