adj
Common
binary
BEYE-nuh-rih
Binary (adj) means Based on just two options, states, or values. Example: “Life is rarely a binary question with only one right and one wrong answer.”
adj
1
Based on just two options, states, or values.
"Life is rarely a binary question with only one right and one wrong answer."
"The survey offered a binary yes or no choice for every question."
"The debate was framed as a binary choice between war and peace."
2
Relating to the base-2 number system, which uses only 0s and 1s.
"Computers store all data internally in binary."
noun
1
The base-2 number system itself.
"In binary, the number two is written as one followed by a zero."
"Our teacher showed us how to count up to ten in binary."
"She converted the decimal number into binary for the assignment."
How to use binary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving exactly two options or values — most familiar from computing's 0s-and-1s number system.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "binary" (two states) with "biannual" (twice a year) or "biennial" (every two years).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
binary code
binary choice
binary system
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Word forms
- Plural
- binaries
- Comparative
- more binary
- Superlative
- most binary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Life is rarely a _____ question with only one right and one wrong answer.
Etymology
From Late Latin bīnārius ("consisting of two"), from Latin bīnī ("two by two, a pair").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
non-binary
Related words
Rhymes for binary
See all rhymes for 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.
