Format — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈfȯr-ˌmat/ for·mat

Meaning & Definition of Format

Format (noun)

  1. the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)
  2. general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)
  3. a method of organizing data (as for storage)

Format (verb)

  1. to arrange (something, such as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format
  2. to prepare (something, such as a computer disk) for storing data in a particular format

Format (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the book's format is very user-friendly"

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

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

    "this abstract painter bases the format of his works on color and its subtle gradations and not line or form"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Format

The most common words with a similar meaning to Format:

arrangement, configuration, conformation, formation, layout, setout, setup, composition, constellation, design, form, getup, makeup, ordonnance, pattern

Related Words for Format

plan, scheme, constitution, build, construction, structure, motif, theme

Word Forms of Format

Inflections: formatted, formatting

Derived words: formatter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Format

French or German; French, from German, from Latin formatus, past participle of formare to form, from forma

First known use: 1840

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Format

Words & Phrases Containing Format

preformat

Frequently Asked Questions about Format

What does "Format" mean?

"Format" means the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Format"?

Other words for "Format" include arrangement, configuration, conformation, formation, layout, setout, setup and composition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Format" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Format"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Format". Common alternatives include arrangement, configuration, conformation, formation, layout, setout, setup, composition, constellation and design.

How do you use "Format" in a sentence?

Examples of "Format" in a sentence: "the book's format is very user-friendly"; "this abstract painter bases the format of his works on color and its subtle gradations and not line or form".

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

"Format" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

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

As a B2-level word, "Format" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Format"?

"Format" is pronounced /ˈfȯr-ˌmat/ and divided into syllables as for·mat.

What is the origin of the word "Format"?

"Format" comes from French or German; French, from German, from Latin formatus, past participle of formare to form, from forma. First known use: 1840.