Configuration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən/ con·fig·u·ra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Configuration

Configuration (noun)

  1. relative arrangement of parts or elements
  2. shape
  3. contour of land

Configuration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form

    "the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome"

    similar: architecture, armature, cadre, edifice, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, structure
    related: cage, lattice, network, contour, figure, outline, profile, shape, silhouette, chassis

  2. the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized

    "a small business computer system in its simplest configuration"

    similar: arrangement, conformation, format, formation, layout, setout, setup
    related: design, plan, scheme, composition, constitution, getup, makeup, build, construction, structure

  3. the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged

    "his photographs have an intentionally loose configuration, with no single object intended as the primary center of interest"

    similar: arrangement, composition, constellation, design, form, format, getup, layout, makeup, ordonnance, pattern
    related: motif, theme

  4. the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance

    "a birthday cake in the configuration of a top hat"

    similar: cast, conformation, fashion, figure, form, geometry, shape
    related: contour, outline, profile, silhouette, frame, framework, shell, skeleton, arrangement, design, format, layout, makeup, organization, pattern, plan, setup
    near: composition, material, matter, raw material, stuff, substance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Configuration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Configuration:

architecture, armature, cadre, edifice, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, structure, arrangement, conformation, format, formation, layout, setout, setup, composition, constellation, design, form, getup, makeup, ordonnance, pattern, cast, fashion, figure, geometry, shape

Related Words for Configuration

cage, lattice, network, contour, outline, profile, silhouette, chassis, plan, scheme, constitution, build, construction, motif, theme, organization

Near Antonyms of Configuration

composition, material, matter, raw material, stuff, substance

Word Forms of Configuration

Derived words: configurational (adjective), configurationally (adverb), configurative (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Configuration

earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action configure

First known use: 1559

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Configuration

Frequently Asked Questions about Configuration

What does "Configuration" mean?

"Configuration" means relative arrangement of parts or elements. As a noun, it is defined as: relative arrangement of parts or elements. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Configuration"?

Other words for "Configuration" include architecture, armature, cadre, edifice, fabric, frame, framework and framing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Configuration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Configuration"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Configuration". Common alternatives include architecture, armature, cadre, edifice, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure and shell.

How do you use "Configuration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Configuration" in a sentence: "the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome"; "a small business computer system in its simplest configuration"; "his photographs have an intentionally loose configuration, with no single object intended as the primary center of interest".

Is "Configuration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Configuration" is a noun.

Is "Configuration" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Configuration" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Configuration"?

"Configuration" is pronounced /kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·fig·u·ra·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Configuration"?

"Configuration" comes from earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action configure. First known use: 1559.