programming
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the act of writing instructions for a computer to follow.
n.the process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.
Simple“She decided to take a course in programming to build her own website.”
In context“Modern programming requires not only a grasp of syntax but also an understanding of algorithmic efficiency and data structures.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the general activity.
Synonymscodingsoftware development - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the way radio or television shows are planned and organized.
n.the selection and scheduling of programmes for a radio or television station or a performance season.
Simple“The channel changed its evening programming to include more news.”
In context“The festival's programming was praised for its diverse range of international films and experimental documentaries.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in the context of broadcasting.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.the process of training a person or animal to behave in a certain way.
n.the process of conditioning a subject to respond in a specific manner to certain stimuli.
Simple“The movie explores how social programming affects the way we think.”
In context“Early childhood programming can have a profound impact on an individual's subconscious reactions to stress in later life.”
Teacher's tipIn this sense, the word often carries a negative or clinical connotation regarding the loss of free will.
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
v.the act of setting a machine to work at a specific time or in a certain way.
v.the present participle of 'program', referring to the act of setting a device to perform a function automatically.
Simple“I am programming the thermostat to turn the heat down at night.”
In context“By programming the irrigation system to activate only during the coolest hours, the farm significantly reduced its water waste.”
Synonyms
“For this reason, programming languages do not—despite their clear rules and structure—activate the same brain areas.”
From program /programme + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.