software
noun
Simple meaning
Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
sawftwerSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈsɔftwɛɹ
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
computing
Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
military
The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A1 · Beginner (estimated)
- Frequency
- Very Common
- Typical Use
- Varies by meaning
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
Used this way, software is a specialist word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. This is a computing use: it carries a fixed technical meaning inside software and systems work.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Specialist/technical
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Specialized
- Connotation
- Clinical and technical
- Usage feel
- Technical and specialized
Where it naturally appears
- Technology
- Technical/specialist writing
- Business/professional
Usage note
In general conversation this sense usually needs explaining — outside its field, people reach for a plainer word.
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use software
- “The market for software is expected to expand.”noun
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Tap the highlighted word to open its own entry.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs.
A person who designs and writes and tests computer programs.
Error resulting from bad code in some program involved in producing the erroneous result.
Written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory.
Merchandise consisting of a computer program that is offered for sale.
Written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory.
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Synonyms
Sense: encoded computer instructions
Antonyms
Sense: encoded computer instructions
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.