Install Software: Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：Add a program to a device (Install Software)

Install Software 🔊

/ɪnˈstɔːl ˈsɒftweər/

v. + n.

To put a new computer program onto your device so you can use it.

Install software progress bar on computer screen with phone showing new apps

Add a program to a device 🔊

➕

/æd ə ˈprəʊɡræm tuː ə dɪˈvaɪs/

v. + n.

To place a new computer program onto a device so that it can be used.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Install: Latin 'in-' + 'stallare' (place); Software: 'soft' + 'ware' (goods).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'install' as 'in-stall' like placing a stall; 'software' as soft goods for your computer.

📖 Example

It took me an hour to install software for virus protection on my new laptop last night. 🔊 Last night, I spent an hour installing antivirus software on my new laptop.

🔗 Collocations

install software packages – put multiple program bundles onto a device

install software updates – add newer versions of programs to a device

install software applications – place individual application programs onto a device

🔄 Synonyms

set up software (v. + n.) – to prepare software for use on a device

load software (v. + n.) – to copy software from a source into a device's memory for use

deploy software (v. + n.) – to distribute and install software across multiple devices or systems

🚫 Antonyms

uninstall software (v. + n.) – to remove software from a device

remove software (v. + n.) – to delete software from a device

delete software (v. + n.) – to erase software files from a device

🌱 Derivatives

installation (n.) – the process of installing software or hardware

installer (n.) – a program that manages the installation of software

reinstall (v.) – to install software again after removal or corruption

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'install software' rose with personal computers in the 1980s, when users manually copied programs from floppy disks to hard drives to enable use.