computer
A1Formal, Informal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
An electronic machine capable of storing and processing data, performing calculations, and executing programmed instructions.
A person who makes calculations or computations (archaic); by analogy, any device or system that processes information; the general concept of automated computation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the physical device (desktop, laptop, server). Also used metonymically for the system/software running on it (e.g., 'The computer says no'). In technical contexts, can refer to a computational device within a larger system (e.g., a car's onboard computer).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and some compound terms. UK: 'programme' (when referring to TV/software), 'centre'. US: 'program', 'center'. US more likely to use 'computer' as a modifier in closed compounds (e.g., computerroom).
Connotations
Virtually identical. Both associate it with modernity, work, education, and technology.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both dialects, with no significant variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + computer: use/boot/restart/configure a computer[adjective] + computer: new/powerful/portable/digital computercomputer + [verb]: The computer crashed/processed/calculated.computer + [noun]: computer hardware/keyboard/monitor/labVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The computer says no.”
- “To be computer-literate.”
- “A computer nerd/geek.”
- “Garbage in, garbage out (relating to computer processing).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential for all operations. Refers to hardware, IT infrastructure, and automated systems (e.g., 'Our computers handle the payroll').
Academic
Core tool for research, writing, and data analysis. Central to the field of Computer Science.
Everyday
Ubiquitous device for communication, entertainment, information, and home administration.
Technical
Precise specifications matter (architecture, OS, specs). Can refer to embedded systems, clusters, or theoretical models (Turing machine).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The system will computerise the old paper records.
- We need to computerise our invoicing.
American English
- The system will computerize the old paper records.
- We need to computerize our invoicing.
adverb
British English
- The data was processed computer-wise.
- He thinks very computer-like, in binary terms.
American English
- The data was processed computationally.
- He thinks very logically, in binary terms.
adjective
British English
- It was a computer-based test.
- The computer modelling showed a potential flaw.
American English
- It was a computer-based test.
- The computer modeling showed a potential flaw.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I use a computer at work.
- My computer is on the desk.
- Do you have a computer?
- The computer is new.
- My computer crashed, and I lost my document.
- I need to buy a new computer because this one is too slow.
- Most jobs require basic computer skills.
- She's learning how to fix computers.
- The computer's processor is struggling with the latest graphics software.
- After analysing the data with a sophisticated computer model, they reached a conclusion.
- We are entirely dependent on computer networks for global communication.
- The researchers employed a quantum computer to solve the previously intractable problem.
- Critics argue that an over-reliance on computer simulations can obscure real-world complexities.
- The malware was designed to propagate laterally across networked computers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COM-PUTE-HER. You ask HER (the machine) to COMpute (calculate) things for you.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMPUTER IS A BRAIN / A TOOL / A PERSON (e.g., 'It doesn't understand', 'It's working hard', 'a helpful tool').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'компьютер' for 'calculator' (калькулятор).
- Avoid the direct calque 'computer table' for 'desk' or 'computer desk'.
- In English, 'computer' is the generic term; 'ЭВМ' is archaic/technical.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I will check it in the computer.' (Correct: 'on the computer').
- Incorrect plural: 'computers' (standard) vs. non-native sometimes uses uncountable form.
- Confusing 'computer' (hardware) with 'software' or 'application'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most specific synonym for a large, powerful computer used by organisations?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a countable noun. You can have one computer, two computers, etc.
'Computer' is the general term. 'PC' (Personal Computer) traditionally refers to computers compatible with the IBM/Windows architecture, but is often used loosely to mean any desktop/laptop computer (excluding Macs in some strict contexts).
Not directly. The related verbs are 'computerize/computerise' (to equip with computers) or 'compute' (to calculate). 'Computer' itself remains a noun.
It is overwhelmingly used as a noun. Its use as an adjective (computer science, computer problem) is also very common. Verbal and adverbial forms are rare and derived.
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