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
1
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."
"The default language on this app is English unless you change it."
2
Failure to fulfil an obligation, especially a financial or legal one.
"The company went into default on its loan payments."
"Missing three payments in a row put the tenant in default."
"The bank can take the house if the owners are in default."
verb
1
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."
"If you default on your car loan, the lender may take the car."
How to use default
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- defaults
- Third person singular
- defaults
- Past tense
- defaulted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for default
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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