- format
- ▪ I. format for‧mat 1 [ˈfɔːmæt ǁ ˈfɔːr-] noun [countable]1. COMPUTING the way in which information is arranged and stored in a computer file or on a disk. If the format is not right, a computer will not be able to read the information:
• The firm markets software that automatically converts data from one computer format to another.
• A larger format often means an increase in price.
3. a way of organizing, arranging or presenting something:• The stores face competition from other retailers using the megastore format.
• News stations are searching for a new format that holds viewers and attracts the younger audience that advertisers seek.
1. COMPUTING to put an instruction into a computer in order to prepare a disk so that information can be stored on it in a way that the computer can read it:• You'll need to format the disk before you can copy the files across.
2. to arrange information in a computer file, for example using particular software or a particular type of writing, page size etc:format in• The documents are all formatted in WordPerfect.
• Documents are generally formatted for A4.
3. to arrange a book, magazine, or page according to a particular design:• The text has not been very well formatted.
— formatting noun [uncountable] :• If we transfer the file, we may lose the formatting.
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Ⅰ.format UK US /ˈfɔːmæt/ noun [C]► the size, design, materials, etc. used for a document, book, photo, etc.: »The report should provide clear and concise information in a format designed to communicate the information effectively.
»Documents must be submitted in paper format.
audio/digital/electronic format »Once the photos are in a digital format, they can be edited.
► IT the arrangement of information in a computer file: »The program supports all of the major image file formats.
»To view reports in PDF format, Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.
► the way in which an activity, event, etc. is arranged or presented: »Whatever form the conference takes next year, it is likely to be different to the format used this year.
Ⅱ.format UK US /ˈfɔːmæt/ verb [T] (formatting, formatted, formats) IT► to prepare a computer disk for use in a particular type of computer► to organize the way text, pictures, etc. will appear, especially on a computer: »Here are some tips on how to format the document.
Financial and business terms. 2012.