format
Format (noun) means the way something is laid out or presented — its structure, style, or arrangement. Example: “The interview will follow a question-and-answer format.”
How to Use Format
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe shape, layout, or structure of something — or the act of arranging it that way.
Formatting a drive deletes everything on it — people sometimes confuse it with simply organizing files.
Word Forms
formatted past tense, formats plural, formats singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The interview will follow a question-and-answer _____.
Etymology
From French format, ultimately from Latin liber formatus, "a book shaped" a certain way — the same root that gives us "form."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for format
See all rhymes for format →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “format” mean?
The word “format” means the way something is laid out or presented — its structure, style, or arrangement. In plain terms, the shape, layout, or structure of something — or the act of arranging it that way.
How do you pronounce “format”?
“Format” is pronounced FAW-mat (/ˈfɔːɹ.mæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “format” in a sentence?
Here is “format” used in a sentence: “The interview will follow a question-and-answer format.”
What is another word for “format”?
Words with a similar meaning to “format” include initialize.
What part of speech is “format”?
Depending on how it is used, “format” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “format” come from?
The word “format” comes from Latin. From French format, ultimately from Latin liber formatus, "a book shaped" a certain way — the same root that gives us "form.".
Is “format” a common word?
“Format” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “format” have?
“Format” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way something is laid out or presented — its structure, style, or arrangement.
What is an example of format?
Format refers to how something is arranged or presented. Examples include a file format such as PDF or MP3, the format of a document with its headings and margins, or a television format like a quiz show. In each case it describes the structure and style rather than the content itself.
What is the difference between format and layout?
Format is the broader term for how something is structured, styled, or presented overall, including things like file type or the rules of a show. Layout is narrower, referring specifically to how elements are positioned on a page or screen. Layout is one part of a document's overall format.
Is format a noun or a verb?
Both. As a noun, format is the way something is arranged or presented, as in 'an unusual page format.' As a verb, to format means to arrange or prepare something in a particular way, such as formatting a document's text or formatting a computer drive for use.