configuration
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form, figure, or combination.
The functional structure or arrangement of a system, network, software, or device. In computing, it specifically refers to the specific hardware and software settings of a system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate or functional arrangement rather than a random one. Often denotes a static or established setup rather than a temporary state. Has migrated strongly into technical fields, especially computing and engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in technical, academic, and business contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to its technical nature. Slightly more frequent in American English corporate/IT discourse, reflecting the global influence of US tech industries.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The configuration of [system/object][Verb] a configurationIn this/that configurationA configuration that/which [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word 'configuration'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the setup of products, services, or software packages offered to clients (e.g., 'The standard business configuration includes support.').
Academic
Used in physics, chemistry (electron configuration), mathematics, and engineering to describe the spatial or functional arrangement of components.
Everyday
Used when discussing furniture layouts, settings on devices, or the shape/pattern of objects (e.g., 'the configuration of the new garden').
Technical
Predominant in computing and IT for system/software settings (e.g., 'Edit the server configuration file.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to configure the software before the user trial.
- The system is not correctly configured for our network.
American English
- You can configure the app settings in the menu.
- The IT team configured the new servers overnight.
adverb
British English
- The system was configurationally sound.
- This is configurationally similar to the old setup.
American English
- The servers are set up configurationally independent.
- The modules work configurationally well together.
adjective
British English
- The configurational aspects of the design are critical.
- They studied the configurational space of the molecule.
American English
- Use the configuration tool to change the settings.
- The configurational differences between the models are minor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The configuration of the chairs was a circle.
- I like the configuration of buttons on this remote.
- The default configuration of the phone is easy to use.
- We changed the seating configuration for the meeting.
- The network's configuration needs to be updated for security.
- The unique configuration of the building makes it very energy-efficient.
- The electron configuration of an atom determines its chemical properties.
- After altering the software configuration, the application's performance improved markedly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONFIGuration as the FIGure or shape something is set IN. You CONFIGURE something to give it a specific FIGURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEMS ARE STRUCTURES (to be built/configured).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'конфигурация' – a direct cognate used similarly in IT, but in Russian it can sound more strictly technical. The English word has broader application (e.g., 'seating configuration').
- Avoid translating as 'настройка' for non-IT contexts; 'настройка' is closer to 'adjustment' or 'tuning'. Use 'расположение', 'структура', or 'компоновка' for physical arrangements.
- The verb 'to configure' is 'настраивать' or 'конфигурировать' in IT, but for arranging furniture, use 'располагать', 'расставлять'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'configeration' or 'configration'.
- Confusing with 'conformation' (which relates to compliance or shape in biology).
- Using it as a verb ('I need to configuration the system' is wrong; use 'configure').
- Overusing in non-technical contexts where simpler words like 'arrangement' or 'layout' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'configuration' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Setup' is more general and informal, often referring to the process of preparing something. 'Configuration' is more formal and technical, emphasizing the specific arrangement or combination of settings and components.
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'several configurations', 'a complex configuration'). It can be used uncountably in very abstract senses (e.g., 'the principle of configuration'), but this is rare.
No. The verb form is 'to configure'. Using 'configuration' as a verb is a common mistake (e.g., 'I will configuration the system' is incorrect).
A configuration file (often shortened to 'config file') is a text file used to set the initial settings and parameters for a software program or operating system. Changing this file alters how the program behaves without changing its core code.
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