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Digital Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：digital (relating to electronic technology) (digital)

digital 🔊

/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/

adj.

Relating to computers, the internet, and other modern electronic technology that uses information in the form of numbers (1s and 0s).

Digital smartphone held by smiling person indoors

digital (relating to electronic technology) 🔊

➕

/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/

adj.

Describes technology that processes and stores information using discrete values, typically binary digits (0 and 1), opposed to continuous analog signals.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'digitus' (finger, toe); counting on fingers led to 'digit' for numbers, giving 'digital'.

💡 Mnemonic

Your fingers are digits; computers use digits (0s and 1s) – that's digital!

📖 Example

My grandparents are learning how to use digital tools like video calls to stay in touch with the family. 🔊 My grandparents are learning how to use digital tools like video calls to stay in touch with the family.

🔗 Collocations

digital technology – Technology that uses digital signals and binary data

digital transformation – The process of integrating digital technology into all areas of a business

digital age – The period in history when digital electronics and computers became widespread

🔄 Synonyms

electronic (adj.) – Relating to devices that use electric circuits, often digital

computerized (adj.) – Controlled or operated by a computer

numerical (adj.) – Expressed or represented in numbers

🚫 Antonyms

analog (adj.) – Using continuous physical quantities rather than discrete digits

mechanical (adj.) – Operated by physical mechanisms, not electronics

manual (adj.) – Done by hand rather than automatically

🌱 Derivatives

digit (n.) – A single numeral from 0 to 9

digitize (v.) – To convert analog information into digital form

digitally (adv.) – In a way that uses digital technology or signals

📖 Cultural Story

Evolved from Latin 'digitus' (finger). Romans counted on fingers; by the 1950s, 'digital' described binary-based electronics, revolutionizing computing.

Meaning 2：digital (showing numbers directly) (digital)

digital 🔊

/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/

adj.

Showing information, such as time or a measurement, by displaying numbers directly, rather than with hands on a dial.

Digital kitchen scale showing 250 g on display

digital (showing numbers directly) 🔊

➕

/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/

adj.

Refers to devices or displays that present information as numeric digits (e.g., time, weight) rather than using a continuous scale or pointer.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I prefer a digital watch because I can read the exact time at a glance without guessing between the minute marks. 🔊 I prefer a digital watch because I can read the exact time at a glance without guessing between the minute marks.

🔗 Collocations

digital watch – A watch that shows time in numbers on a screen

digital clock – A clock that displays the time in digits

digital display – A screen that shows numerical or alphanumeric information

🔄 Synonyms

numeric (adj.) – Consisting of or expressed in numbers

digital-display (adj.) – Having a screen that shows digits

LCD (adj.) – Using liquid crystal display technology, typically digital

🚫 Antonyms

analog (adj.) – Using hands or a continuous scale to show information

dial (n.) – A face with moving pointers, opposite of digital display

manual (adj.) – Requiring physical adjustment by hand, not automatic digital readout

🌱 Derivatives

digit (n.) – A single numerical symbol (0-9)

digitize (v.) – To represent as numerical digits

digitally (adv.) – In a manner that uses numerical display or processing