formate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical
Quick answer
What does “formate” mean?
To use, design, or lay out something in a specified way, especially in computing (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To use, design, or lay out something in a specified way, especially in computing (e.g., formatting a disk) or chemistry (a salt or ester of formic acid).
To structure or arrange text, data, or a physical object according to a predetermined plan or style; in chemistry, specifically referring to a formic acid derivative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Spelling is consistent; 'formate' is universally technical.
Connotations
Highly technical in both regions. Lacks informal connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Equally rare in both BrE and AmE outside of specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “formate” in a Sentence
[User] + formate + [Direct Object: drive/document/data][Chemical] + is a formateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “formate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will formate the corrupted hard disk.
- Ensure you formate the document in APA style.
American English
- You need to formate the USB drive to exFAT.
- The system will not accept the data unless you formate it correctly.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The formate solution was added dropwise.
- A formate ester was identified.
American English
- The sample contained sodium formate crystals.
- Formate compounds are often used as buffers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in IT documentation: 'You must formate the new storage drive before deployment.'
Academic
Common in chemistry papers: 'The reaction produced methyl formate.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Format' is the standard term for computer tasks.
Technical
Standard in chemistry for formic acid salts/esters and a less common computing verb.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “formate”
- Using 'formate' as a general noun instead of 'format'.
- Misspelling as 'formated' instead of 'formatted' for the past tense of the computing verb.
- Pronouncing it /fɔːrˈmeɪt/ with stress on the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term used mainly in chemistry and, to a lesser extent, computing.
'Format' is the standard noun (layout) and verb (to arrange) in computing and publishing. 'Formate' is a chemical noun (a salt/ester) or a less common variant of the computing verb.
It would sound very technical and possibly incorrect. Use 'format' for computing tasks and specify 'formate compound' only in a chemical context.
It is pronounced /ˈfɔː.meɪt/ (FOR-mate), with the stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.
To use, design, or lay out something in a specified way, especially in computing (e.
Formate is usually technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FORMic Acid creATEs a formATE.' It's a chemical creation.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A BLUEPRINT ('to formate is to impose a blueprint on data or matter').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'formate' most correctly used?