# PDF

/ˌpiˌdiˈɛf/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pdf
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a type of computer file

noun · CEFR A2 · Technical

Stands for Portable Document Format. A file format used to share documents so they always look the same on any device.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Portable Document Format. A file format that captures all elements of a printed document as an electronic image that can be viewed, navigated, or printed.

- Please send the contract as a PDF so the formatting doesn't change.
- The graphic designer exported the final brochure as a high-resolution PDF to ensure the printer received the exact layout intended.

### 2. to convert a file

verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

to save or change a document into a PDF file.

For teachers: to convert a digital document from its native format into a Portable Document Format file.

- Can you PDF that spreadsheet and email it to the manager?
- After finishing the report in Word, she decided to PDF the document to prevent any unauthorised edits during the review process.

### 3. probability density function

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

a mathematical way to show how likely different results are in a set of data.

For teachers: Abbreviation for probability density function. A function whose value at any given sample in the sample space can be interpreted as providing a relative likelihood.

- The professor explained how to calculate the area under the PDF curve.
- In advanced statistics, the PDF is essential for determining the probability of a continuous random variable falling within a particular range of values.

### 4. internet slang for an offender

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang word used on social media to talk about a person who is attracted to children.

For teachers: A euphemistic initialism used primarily on social media platforms to bypass automated content filters when referring to a paedophile.

- The video was removed because the creator was accused of being a PDF.
- Commenters often use the term PDF to discuss criminal allegations without triggering the platform's automated censorship algorithms.

Usage: Used almost exclusively in online comments and video captions to avoid platform bans.

Teaching tip: This is a very modern internet euphemism; students should be aware of it to understand social media discourse but should avoid using it in professional contexts.

## Examples

- Please send the contract as a PDF.
- The airline sent my boarding pass as a PDF so I could print it at home or show it on my phone.
- While editable text files are useful for drafting, the final report should be distributed as a PDF to ensure the complex charts and formatting remain intact for all recipients.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.