personal computer
B2Neutral, Standard
Definition
Meaning
A microcomputer designed for use by one person at a time.
An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically consisting of a central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and mouse, used by an individual for a wide range of tasks including work, communication, and entertainment. The term can encompass both desktop and laptop computers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term "personal computer" (PC) is often used in contrast to mainframes, servers, or shared terminals. In a narrower sense, especially in American marketing contexts, "PC" can specifically denote a computer running a Microsoft Windows operating system, in contrast to Apple Macintosh computers. This narrower sense is less common in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The abbreviation "PC" is universally understood. In the UK, the term is less likely to be used as a direct antonym to "Mac". In the US, "PC" is frequently used in opposition to "Mac" in advertising and tech discourse.
Connotations
UK: Neutral, functional. US: Can have a stronger connotation of a Windows-based machine versus an Apple product.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in technical and business contexts in both varieties. The full term "personal computer" is less common in casual speech than "computer" or "PC".
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to have/own/use/buy] a personal computerThe personal computer [revolutionised/changed] [something].A personal computer [running/with] [software/OS].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The personal computer revolution”
- “The PC era”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Standard term in procurement, IT policy, and tech industry reports (e.g., 'We are upgrading all employee personal computers this quarter.').
Academic
Used in history of technology, sociology, and computer science to denote the specific class of machines (e.g., 'The invention of the personal computer democratised access to computing.').
Everyday
Common, though often shortened to 'computer' or 'PC' (e.g., 'My personal computer is running slow.').
Technical
Precise term to distinguish from other computer classes; common in specifications and reviews (e.g., 'This chipset is designed for mid-range personal computers.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company aims to personal-computerise every classroom.
- The process of personal-computering the workforce took years.
American English
- The department was quickly PC'd up for the new project.
- They're still in the process of personal computing their operations.
adjective
British English
- The personal-computer industry is highly competitive.
- We attended a personal-computer trade show.
American English
- The PC market saw a decline.
- He works in personal computer sales.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a personal computer at home.
- A personal computer is useful for school.
- My new personal computer is much faster than my old one.
- Most office workers use a personal computer every day.
- The rise of the personal computer transformed how we work and communicate.
- When buying a personal computer, you should consider both the processor and the amount of RAM.
- The commoditisation of the personal computer hardware market has driven prices down dramatically.
- His thesis analysed the socio-economic impact of the personal computer revolution in the 1980s.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PERSONAL: for ONE PERSON, not for a whole company (like a mainframe).
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL / A BRAIN (processing information) / A DESK (a workspace).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "личный компьютер" in all contexts. In many situations, simply "компьютер" is more natural. "PC" (произносится "пи-си") is a common borrowing.
- Do not confuse with "персональные данные" (personal data).
Common Mistakes
- Using "personal computer" in overly casual contexts where "computer" suffices (e.g., 'I'll bring my personal computer' sounds formal; 'I'll bring my computer/laptop' is natural).
- Incorrect plural: 'personal computers' (correct), not 'personals computer'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'personal computer' MOST likely to be used in its full form?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. A laptop (or notebook) is a portable type of personal computer.
They are synonyms. 'PC' is simply the abbreviation for 'personal computer'. In some contexts, especially in the US, 'PC' can specifically mean a Windows-based computer, but technically all personal computers are PCs.
Technically, modern smartphones and tablets are powerful computing devices for personal use. However, traditionally and in most formal contexts, the term 'personal computer' (PC) is reserved for devices like desktops and laptops with traditional architectures and full operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). In broad, modern terms, they are a different category (mobile devices).
It was coined to distinguish these smaller, affordable machines designed for a single user from the large, expensive, shared 'mainframe' or 'minicomputer' systems that were the norm in businesses and institutions prior to the late 1970s.
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