format
FAW-mat
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.”
noun
1
The way something is laid out or presented — its structure, style, or arrangement.
"The interview will follow a question-and-answer format."
"She prefers the print format over the digital edition."
"The quiz show has a new format with two teams instead of three."
2
The specific type or structure a computer file is saved in.
"Save the image in JPEG format so it opens on any device."
"This video is in an old format that many players cannot open."
"Which format should I use to send you the scanned document?"
verb
1
To arrange text or a document so it looks a certain way.
"He formatted the report with headings and page numbers."
"Please format your essay with double spacing and a clear title."
"I formatted the menu so the prices line up neatly on the right."
2
To erase a storage device and prepare it for new data.
"You need to format the USB drive before you can use it."
"Back up your photos first, because formatting the card deletes everything on it."
"She formatted the old hard drive before giving the computer to her cousin."
How to use format
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe shape, layout, or structure of something — or the act of arranging it that way.
Common mistake
Formatting a drive deletes everything on it — people sometimes confuse it with simply organizing files.
Common pairings
file format
format a document
format a hard drive
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Word forms
- Plural
- formats
- Third person singular
- formats
- Past tense
- formatted
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
View more →
layout
structure
arrangement
design
style
configuration
setup
template
formatting
arrange
initialise
initialize
Related words
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.
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