array
B2Neutral to formal; technical in computing/mathematical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
An ordered arrangement or display of things, often for a specific purpose.
In computing, a data structure consisting of a collection of elements (values or variables). In a legal/formal context, a group of assembled people or things, especially soldiers. In mathematics, a systematic arrangement of numbers or symbols in rows and columns.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word strongly implies order, arrangement, and often visual display or impressive gathering. The computing sense is highly specialized and dominant in that field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The verb form is slightly more common in British legal/military contexts (to array troops).
Connotations
Equally formal/technical in both dialects. The 'display/collection' sense may feel slightly more literary.
Frequency
Similar overall frequency. The computing term is universally used in IT globally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
an array of [plural noun]array [object] (verb)be arrayed against/across/alongin [adjective] arrayVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not commonly idiomatic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a wide range of products/services. 'The company offers an impressive array of financial solutions.'
Academic
Used in mathematics, computer science, and sciences for ordered data sets. 'The results were presented in a tabular array.'
Everyday
Describes a visually ordered collection. 'She laid out a colourful array of cupcakes on the table.'
Technical
Primarily a data structure in programming. 'The function iterates through the array to find the maximum value.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The general arrayed his forces along the ridge.
- The evidence was arrayed before the court.
American English
- The protesters were arrayed against the new policy.
- She arrayed the samples neatly on the lab bench.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; 'arrayed' is participial adjective) The fully arrayed battalion looked formidable.
- (Technical: 'array processor')
American English
- (Not standard; 'arrayed' is participial adjective) The arrayed products made an attractive display.
- (Technical: 'array data type')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop has a big array of toys.
- Fruits were in an array on the market stall.
- The museum has a wide array of historical artefacts.
- We face a whole array of problems with this project.
- The conference offered a dazzling array of workshops and speakers.
- The software uses an array to store user inputs efficiently.
- His arguments were arrayed in a logical and persuasive sequence.
- The sensor array on the satellite can detect minute climatic changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RAY of sunlight hitting an orderly ARRANGEMENT (AR-Ray + Arrange).
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER IS LINEAR ARRANGEMENT (things in a row), VARIETY IS A SPREAD-OUT COLLECTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'массивный' (это 'massive'). 'Array' как существительное — 'массив', 'ряд', 'подборка'. Глагол 'to array' — 'выстраивать', 'расставлять'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'array' with 'arrears' (money owed). Incorrect: 'The data was in a disorganized array.' (Use 'disarray'). Mispronunciation: /ˈæ.reɪ/ instead of /əˈreɪ/.
Practice
Quiz
In computer science, an 'array' is primarily:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's common in formal, literary, and technical writing (especially computing), but less frequent in casual spoken English where 'range', 'selection', or 'bunch' might be used.
'Array' often implies a more impressive, extensive, or orderly display, and has specific technical meanings. 'Arrangement' is more general and neutral.
Yes, but it's formal/literary. It means to place or arrange things in a particular order, often for display, or to marshal (forces, arguments).
It's a fundamental data structure that allows efficient storage and access to collections of data using indices, forming the basis for more complex structures.