register

The word “register” means to add a name, item, or event to an official list or record. In plain terms, to officially record something (or someone) on a list, or to show up as a reading or reaction.

“Register” is pronounced REHJ-ih-stuh (/ˈɹɛd͡ʒ.ɪ.stɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “register” used in a sentence: “New students must register with the college before term starts.”

Words with a similar meaning to “register” include reserve, schedule, enroll and book.

The opposite of “register” — its antonyms — are unregister and deregister.

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

The word “register” comes from Late Latin. From Medieval Latin registrum, from Late Latin regesta ("things recorded"), ultimately from Latin regerere, "to carry back, record.".

“Register” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

The two overlap and are often swapped. "Register" means to put a name, item, or event onto an official list or record. "Enrol" specifically means to sign up as a member of something, usually a course or school. You register to vote, but you enrol in a class — enrolling is joining, registering is recording.

To register something is to record it officially on a list kept by an authority. You register a birth, a car, a business, or a trademark so that it appears in the proper records and is legally recognised. Registering makes the item or event official and traceable.

They mean much the same thing, but differ in tone. "Sign up" is casual, everyday language — you sign up for a newsletter or a gym. "Register" is more formal and official, used for records that carry legal or administrative weight, such as registering to vote or registering a company.

Adding your name to the electoral roll, recording a new car with the licensing authority, signing up officially for a university course, or logging the birth of a child are all examples of registering. Each puts a name, item, or event onto a formal, recognised record.