computerist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Historical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “computerist” mean?
An expert or enthusiast of computers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An expert or enthusiast of computers; someone skilled in computer technology, especially in its earlier, more hobbyist-oriented stages.
Originally a term for a person with deep, practical knowledge of computer systems, often implying a focus on hardware, programming, and technical details rather than just theoretical knowledge. It can also refer to someone who advocates for or prophesies the societal impact of computer technology, especially during the computer revolution of the 1970s-1980s.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term was used in both regions during its period of relevance but is now equally obsolete in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a historical, almost quaint feel, evoking the early days of personal computing. In American tech history, it's strongly associated with figures like Ted Nelson and the Homebrew Computer Club.
Frequency
Extremely rare and dated in both British and American English. Might be encountered in historical texts, memoirs of early computing, or as a deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “computerist” in a Sentence
A computerist is [noun phrase]As a computerist, [sentence]The computerist [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “computerist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; the word is not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable; the word is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; the word is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable; the word is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- His computerist views were ahead of their time.
- The computerist philosophy emphasised user freedom.
American English
- Her computerist manifesto predicted the internet.
- The early computerist culture was highly collaborative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts. Would sound anachronistic.
Academic
Might appear in historical or sociological studies of technology and its pioneers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An average speaker would not be familiar with the term.
Technical
Extremely rare. Modern technical professionals would use more specific terms (e.g., software engineer, systems architect).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “computerist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “computerist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “computerist”
- Using it as a modern job title (e.g., 'I'm a computerist at Google').
- Confusing it with 'computationalist' (someone who believes mental processes are computations).
- Spelling as 'computorist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a real word, though it is now largely archaic and historical. It was used, notably by technology philosopher Ted Nelson, to describe experts and advocates of computer technology.
A 'computerist' is a broader, more historical term implying deep, often holistic, engagement with computers (hardware, philosophy, societal impact). A 'programmer' is a modern, specific term for someone who writes software code. All early computerists were programmers, but not all programmers are computerists in the historical sense.
No, it is not recommended. It would likely confuse employers. Use modern, standard terms like 'Software Developer', 'IT Specialist', or 'Computer Scientist' instead.
Ted Nelson, who invented the concept of hypertext, often referred to himself and others as computerists. Early figures in the Homebrew Computer Club, which included Steve Wozniak, could also be described as computerists.
An expert or enthusiast of computers.
Computerist is usually formal, historical, technical in register.
Computerist: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtərɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtərɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no established idioms for this specific word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMPUTER + -IST (like 'specialist'). A computer-ist is a specialist in computers.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPUTERIST IS A PIONEER / COMPUTERIST IS A PRIEST OF TECHNOLOGY
Practice
Quiz
The term 'computerist' is best described as: