tabulator
C1Technical/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A device or function for arranging data into columns or tables, or a key on a typewriter/computer for moving to set column positions.
A person or program that compiles and summarizes data, especially statistical information, into orderly tables; historically, a mechanical part of a typewriter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a function or mechanism for alignment/formatting; in computing, often part of data processing or spreadsheet software. Can be ambiguous without context (machine vs. feature vs. person).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is technical and standardized. 'Tab key' is far more common in everyday computing contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned when referring to typewriters; modern computing use is neutral/technical.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; higher in historical, technical writing, or specific IT contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] the tabulator: set, adjust, use, engage[noun] of tabulator: mechanism, key, function, stopVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; may appear in legacy system documentation or discussions of data reporting tools.
Academic
Used in history of technology, information science, or data processing courses.
Everyday
Virtually unused; 'tab key' or 'tabs' are standard.
Technical
Precise term for the mechanism/function in programming, typewriter repair, or data processing contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The old accounting machine had a manual tabulator for column alignment.
- He was skilled as a tabulator of census returns.
American English
- The report was generated by an electronic tabulator.
- Press the tabulator key to move to the next field.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- On the keyboard, the tab key is sometimes called a tabulator.
- The software includes a data tabulator for creating summary tables from raw input.
- Before computers, office workers used machines with mechanical tabulators.
- The historian examined the Hollerith tabulator, a precursor to modern computers.
- The function acts as a tabulator, parsing the dataset and aligning values into predefined columns.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TABLE being made; a TABULATOR helps you lay things out in a table format.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS ALIGNMENT; The tabulator is a tool for bringing order (columns) out of chaos.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'табулятор' unless in a strict historical/technical context; it's a false friend for everyday 'tab key' ('клавиша Tab').
- Do not confuse with 'calculator' ('калькулятор').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tabulator' for the modern 'Tab' key in casual conversation sounds odd.
- Misspelling as 'tabulator' or 'tabullator'.
- Confusing the person who tabulates data (a 'tab clerk' historically) with the machine.
Practice
Quiz
In modern computing, what is the most common everyday term for the 'tabulator' function?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term. 'Tab' or 'tab key' is almost always used in everyday contexts related to computers and keyboards.
Yes, historically it could mean a person who tabulates data, but this usage is now very rare. 'Data clerk' or 'statistician' is more common.
A 'tab' is the general concept or the key itself. A 'tabulator' is the specific mechanism or device that performs the tabulating function, often implying a more complex or historical system.
Technically, the key activates the tabulator function, but calling the key itself a 'tabulator' is overly formal and archaic. It is best to call it the 'Tab key'.