format
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the way text and pictures are arranged on a page or screen.
n.the physical or digital layout of a publication, document, or graphic interface.
Simple“You need to change the format of the report to make it easier to read.”
In context“The editor requested a change in the document format to ensure the margins and font sizes complied with the university's thesis guidelines.”
UsageOften used with 'standard', 'consistent', or 'prescribed'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the specific way a computer stores information, like a PDF or a JPEG.
n.the specific encoding or structure used to store data in a computer file.
Simple“Please save your photo in a JPEG format before uploading it.”
In context“The software supports a wide variety of video formats, allowing users to export their projects for different devices without losing quality.”
Synonymsfile typeextension - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the general way an event, show, or meeting is organised.
n.the general organisation or mode of presentation of an event, broadcast, or artistic work.
Simple“The new talk show has a very relaxed format.”
In context“The conference adopted a hybrid format, combining in-person keynote speeches with virtual breakout sessions for international participants.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to change the way text looks on a page, like making it bold or changing the size.
v.to arrange or adjust the layout and appearance of text or data in a document.
Simple“I spent an hour formatting the table so it would fit on one page.”
In context“The researcher carefully formatted the bibliography according to the latest style guide to avoid any technical errors in the final submission.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to prepare a computer disk or drive so it can store new information, which usually deletes everything on it.
v.to prepare a storage medium for use by defining the structure for data storage, typically erasing existing content.
Simple“You must format the new hard drive before you can save files to it.”
In context“The technician had to format the corrupted drive to restore its functionality, though this resulted in the loss of all unrecovered data.”
UsageUsually takes a direct object representing a storage device.
Synonyms
Usage format fit · format allow · use format
“It’s a lovely format for improv: a special guest tells David Magidoff the story of some romantic (mis)adventure from their past, and Magidoff and pals turn it into an extemporised musical.”
“Two years ago, the 31-year-old was banned for historical betting offences and rebuilt his career to become an England regular in all three formats.”
Via French format and German Format, from New Latin liber fōrmātus (“book fashioned”), from fōrmō (“to shape, fashion”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.