Reading Theme:
Configuration: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：setup or arrangement (configuration)
configuration
/kənˌfɪɡ.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
n.
the way you set up and adjust the parts of something, like a computer or software, to make it work properly.
setup or arrangement
➕
/ˈset.ʌp ɔːr əˈreɪndʒ.mənt/
n.
Refers to the specific way the components of a system or software are set up or arranged to function correctly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'configurare' (com- 'together' + figura 'shape'), meaning the way parts are formed together.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of CONfiguring a FIGURE into a FORMATION. You set up the 'figures' (parts) in a specific 'formation' (arrangement).
📖 Example
After buying the new laptop, she spent an hour on the configuration of her preferred language, display settings, and Wi-Fi connection.
This describes the process of personally adjusting the settings on a new device.
🔗 Collocations
system configuration – the setup of hardware and software components in a computer system
software configuration – the specific settings and options chosen within a software application
network configuration – the arrangement and settings of devices in a computer network
🔄 Synonyms
setup (n.) – the way in which something, especially equipment or software, is organized or arranged.
arrangement (n.) – the way things are organized or laid out, similar to configuration but can be more general.
customization (n.) – the action of modifying something to suit a particular individual or task, often part of configuration.
🚫 Antonyms
default (n./adj.) – a pre-set, standard, or factory setting, as opposed to a user-defined configuration.
🌱 Derivatives
configure (v.) – to arrange or set up a system or software in a particular way.
configurable (adj.) – able to be configured or set up in different ways.
reconfigure (v.) – to configure or arrange something again or in a different way.
📖 Cultural Story
The term gained prominence in computer science, particularly with the IBM System/360 (1964), which introduced the concept of a 'family' of computers sharing software through different hardware configurations.
Meaning 2：layout or arrangement (configuration)
configuration
/kənˌfɪɡ.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
n.
the particular way in which things are placed or arranged in a space, like furniture in a room.
layout or arrangement
➕
/ˈleɪ.aʊt ɔːr əˈreɪndʒ.mənt/
n.
Refers to the specific way objects or elements are placed or arranged within a physical space.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The unique configuration of the conference room-with chairs arranged in a U-shape-encouraged more interactive discussions.
This highlights how a specific physical arrangement of furniture can influence behavior.
🔗 Collocations
room configuration – the specific arrangement of furniture and objects within a room
furniture configuration – the way pieces of furniture are positioned relative to each other
seating configuration – the arrangement of seats, such as in a theater, classroom, or stadium
🔄 Synonyms
layout (n.) – the way in which the parts of something are arranged or laid out, especially in a space.
arrangement (n.) – the way things are positioned or organized, very similar to this meaning of configuration.
setup (n.) – can refer to the way equipment or furniture is arranged in a space.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
configure (v.) – can also mean to arrange elements in a particular spatial pattern.
configurable (adj.) – able to be arranged in different spatial layouts.
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