binary
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for binary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Based on just two options, states, or values.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use binary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin bīnārius ("consisting of two"), from Latin bīnī ("two by two, a pair").
Full origin of binary →Frequently asked questions
What does “binary” mean?
The word “binary” means based on just two options, states, or values. In plain terms, involving exactly two options or values — most familiar from computing's 0s-and-1s number system.
How do you pronounce “binary”?
“Binary” is pronounced BEYE-nuh-rih (/ˈbaɪ.nə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “binary” in a sentence?
Here is “binary” used in a sentence: “The debate was framed as a binary choice between war and peace.”
What is another word for “binary”?
Words with a similar meaning to “binary” include black-and-white.
What is the opposite of “binary”?
The opposite of “binary” — its antonyms — is non-binary.
What part of speech is “binary”?
Depending on how it is used, “binary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “binary” come from?
The word “binary” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bīnārius ("consisting of two"), from Latin bīnī ("two by two, a pair").
Is “binary” a common word?
“Binary” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between binary and decimal?
"Binary" is the base-2 number system, using only the digits 0 and 1, while decimal is the base-10 system using the digits 0 through 9. Computers work in binary internally, whereas people usually count in decimal.
What is the difference between binary and non-binary?
"Binary" describes something based on just two options or states, while "non-binary" describes something that does not fit into only two categories. The contrast is common when discussing gender, where "binary" refers to two categories and "non-binary" to identities outside them.
What are common collocations with binary?
"Binary" frequently pairs with nouns like "code," "number," "system," "digit," "star," and "choice." A "binary choice" uses the two-option sense, while "binary code" uses the base-2 sense.
Why do computers use binary?
Computers use binary because their circuits have two reliable states, on and off, which map neatly onto the 1 and 0 of the base-2 system. This makes binary a natural fit for storing and processing digital information.