noun Common

default

dih-FOLT

Default (noun) means a preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made. Example: “The phone's default ringtone can be changed in settings.”

noun

A preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made.

"The phone's default ringtone can be changed in settings."

"By default, new accounts are set to public."

Failure to fulfil an obligation, especially a financial or legal one.

"The company went into default on its loan payments."

verb

To fail to meet a financial or legal obligation.

"The borrower defaulted on the mortgage after losing his job."

"Several countries defaulted on their debts during the crisis."

How to use default

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the automatic/preset choice, or the act of failing to pay or fulfil an obligation.

Common pairings

default on a loan default setting by default

Word forms

defaulted past tense, defaults plural, defaults singular

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The phone's _____ ringtone can be changed in settings.

Etymology

From Old French defaute ("fault, lack"), ultimately from Latin de- ("away") plus fallere ("to deceive, fail").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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preset standard setting fallback nonpayment delinquency failure to pay

Related words

crime backup programmed evasion relinquish delinquency fallback nonpayment

Rhymes for default

fault vault gault assault Renault Foucault Thibault somersault

See all rhymes for default →

Frequently asked questions

What does “default” mean?

The word “default” means a preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made. In plain terms, either the automatic/preset choice, or the act of failing to pay or fulfil an obligation.

How do you pronounce “default”?

“Default” is pronounced dih-FOLT (/dɪˈfɔlt/ in IPA).

How do you use “default” in a sentence?

Here is “default” used in a sentence: “The phone's default ringtone can be changed in settings.”

What part of speech is “default”?

Depending on how it is used, “default” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “default” come from?

The word “default” comes from Latin. From Old French defaute ("fault, lack"), ultimately from Latin de- ("away") plus fallere ("to deceive, fail").

Is “default” a common word?

“Default” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “default” have?

“Default” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made.

What is the difference between a "default" and a "preset"?

A default is the value or option used automatically when no other choice is made, and it applies until you change it. A preset is a saved configuration you can select on purpose, so a default is what you get without choosing, while a preset is something you deliberately pick.

What are common collocations with "default"?

In technology, common pairings include default setting, default value, and default option. In finance you see loan default, default on a payment, and in default of.

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