configure
C1Technical, Formal
Definition
Meaning
To arrange the parts or settings of a system or device in a specific, functional way.
To design, set up, or structure something, typically a complex system, according to specific requirements or parameters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used with technological/complex systems; implies a conscious, often technical arrangement of elements to achieve a specific outcome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. British spelling is "configure"; American is identical.
Connotations
Strongly associated with IT/computing in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
configure somethingconfigure something to do somethingconfigure something for somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Configure or perish (derived from 'publish or perish' in academic contexts)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To set up software or hardware to meet company-specific workflows.
Academic
To adjust experimental parameters or computational models.
Everyday
To change the settings on a phone or home router.
Technical
To program a server's network protocols or an application's environment variables.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You need to configure the router before connecting to broadband.
- The IT team will configure the new software to our specifications.
American English
- First, configure the app's privacy settings.
- We configured the server for optimal performance.
adverb
British English
- The software is configurable, allowing users to adapt it easily.
- The system was configured correctly from the start.
American English
- The device is easily configurable via its web interface.
- The application was improperly configured, causing errors.
adjective
British English
- The pre-configured system was ready to use out of the box.
- The re-configurable layout allows for future changes.
American English
- The preconfigured software saved us hours of setup.
- The system is highly configurable via its admin panel.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you help me configure the Wi-Fi on my phone?
- The technician configured my new laptop.
- I need to configure my email account on this computer.
- The default settings are okay, but you can configure them.
- The engineer configured the network to prioritise video calls.
- Before deployment, the software must be configured for security.
- DevOps engineers configure cloud infrastructure using code.
- The study's parameters were meticulously configured to isolate the variable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONFIGURE = CON (together) + FIGURE (shape/form) → to shape things together in a specific way.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYSTEM IS A MACHINE (with adjustable parts).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'configurate' (non-existent word).
- Do not confuse with 'конфигурировать' (low-frequency calque); 'настраивать' or 'устанавливать' are more common equivalents.
- Not synonymous with 'construct' or 'assemble' (which imply physical building).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'configure' for simple physical assembly (e.g., 'configure furniture').
- Confusing with 'confirm' or 'conform'.
- Misspelling as 'configurate'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'configure on' instead of 'configure for/to'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'configure' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is most common in tech contexts. It can refer to setting up any complex system, like a business process or experimental apparatus.
Configuration.
Generally, no. It is used for systems, devices, or abstract arrangements, not for people. (e.g., Incorrect: 'He configured the team.' Correct: 'He organised the team.')
'Install' means to put software/hardware in place. 'Configure' means to adjust its settings and parameters after installation to make it work as desired.
Explore