English Reference

Word

programmed

Phoneticspro·grammed

US/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmd/

UK/pɹˈəʊɡɹæmd/

Definitions

01gave instructions to a computer

B1 · Computing

v. gave a computer or machine a set of instructions to follow.

v. provided a computer or electronic device with a sequence of coded instructions for automatic execution.

“She programmed the robot to move whenever it heard a loud noise.”

“The engineers programmed the satellite to enter a low-power state during the solar eclipse to preserve its battery life.”

Pitfall

He programed the software.

He programmed the software.

In both British and American English, the past tense of 'program' is usually spelled with a double 'm'.

Synonyms

codedset up

02planned or scheduled

B2

v. planned an event or a series of activities.

v. arranged or scheduled a series of events, performances, or activities within a larger framework.

“The festival programmed several local bands to play on the main stage.”

“The gallery programmed a series of interactive workshops to run alongside the main exhibition during the summer months.”

Antonyms

03automatic or fixed

B2

adj. happening automatically because of a habit or a set of rules.

adj. behaving or operating in a fixed, automatic way as if following a set of instructions.

“His response seemed programmed, as if he was just repeating what he was told.”

“The animal's migration patterns are programmed by seasonal changes in daylight and temperature.”

Antonyms

04religious service style

C2 · Religion

adj. describes a church service that has a planned schedule and a leader.

adj. referring to a Quaker meeting or religious service that follows a set order and is led by a minister.

“They attended a programmed meeting where a pastor gave a prepared talk.”

“Unlike the silent worship of traditional Friends, programmed meetings often include hymns, scripture readings, and a prepared sermon.”

Technical

Usage

Primarily used within Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) contexts to distinguish from silent meetings.

Antonyms

unprogrammed

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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