configurate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Rare, Technical/Jargon)Technical Jargon, Rare Formal, Non-Standard
Quick answer
What does “configurate” mean?
To arrange or set up components, especially of a system or device, to make it functional or suitable for a specific purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To arrange or set up components, especially of a system or device, to make it functional or suitable for a specific purpose.
To establish the operational parameters or functional layout of software, hardware, or a network system. In rare, older use, it can mean to shape or form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
There is no significant regional preference. The word is equally non-standard and rare in both varieties. However, its occasional use is likely more associated with the global tech industry lexicon, which is heavily influenced by American English.
Connotations
In both dialects, use of 'configurate' instead of 'configure' can connote a lack of linguistic sophistication, technical jargon, or non-native speaker usage. It may be perceived as an error or a pretentious attempt to sound more technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Corpus data shows 'configure' is thousands of times more frequent. Any instances of 'configurate' are outliers.
Grammar
How to Use “configurate” in a Sentence
to configurate something (for something)to configurate something (to do something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “configurate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician needs to configurate the router for the new broadband package.
- I couldn't configurate the software to work with my old printer.
American English
- You'll have to configurate the server settings before deployment.
- The system won't let you configurate those security options.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Configurably' is theoretically possible but unattested and non-standard.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Configurably' is theoretically possible but unattested and non-standard.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form from 'configurate'. 'Configurable' is used from 'configure'.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form from 'configurate'. 'Configurable' is used from 'configure'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in formal business communication. 'Configure' is the required term.
Academic
Not used in academic writing; 'configure' or 'establish parameters' are used.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely in everyday conversation. If used, it might be a mistake for 'configure'.
Technical
The only possible context, but still considered substandard jargon. Might be heard in very informal tech support or development chats, but official documentation uses 'configure'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “configurate”
- Using 'configurate' in formal or written English.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/ˈkɒn.fɪɡ.ə.reɪt/).
- Thinking it is the standard verb form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It appears in some dictionaries as a rare, non-standard, or archaic word. However, it is widely considered incorrect in modern English. The standard verb is 'configure'.
It's a back-formation from the noun 'configuration', similar to how 'orientate' came from 'orientation'. It is often used by non-native speakers or in informal technical jargon by analogy with other '-ate' verbs.
Absolutely not. Always use 'configure' in professional, academic, or formal writing. Using 'configurate' may undermine your credibility.
Since the word itself is non-standard, its past tense ('configurated') is also non-standard. The correct past tense is 'configured'.
To arrange or set up components, especially of a system or device, to make it functional or suitable for a specific purpose.
Configurate is usually technical jargon, rare formal, non-standard in register.
Configurate: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈfɪɡ.ə.reɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈfɪɡ.jə.reɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No idioms use this non-standard form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CONfigure' is the STANDARD form. Adding '-ATE' makes it a FAKE verb (like 'orientate' vs. 'orient'). Stick with the shorter, correct 'configure'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPING A TOOL: The process of configurating is metaphorically shaping a malleable system into a useful tool for a specific task.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard and recommended verb?