appliance
A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically a domestic one such as cooking or cleaning. It often refers to electrical or mechanical tools used within a household or professional environment to increase efficiency.
Examples
3 of 5The modern kitchen is equipped with every imaginable appliance, from an espresso machine to a high-speed blender.
The modern kitchen features all types of machines, including coffee makers and blenders.
Pursuant to the lease agreement, the landlord shall maintain all major appliances in good working order.
According to the contract, the owner must keep the large machines like the fridge and stove working.
I've got so many appliances on my counter that there's no room left to actually chop any vegetables.
My counter is full of gadgets, leaving no space for food preparation.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'apply.' You 'apply' a specific tool to a specific task. An 'appliance' is the physical object that lets you do that.
Quick Quiz
The energy star label helps consumers identify which _____ uses the least amount of electricity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: appliance
Examples
The modern kitchen is equipped with every imaginable appliance, from an espresso machine to a high-speed blender.
everydayThe modern kitchen features all types of machines, including coffee makers and blenders.
Pursuant to the lease agreement, the landlord shall maintain all major appliances in good working order.
formalAccording to the contract, the owner must keep the large machines like the fridge and stove working.
I've got so many appliances on my counter that there's no room left to actually chop any vegetables.
informalMy counter is full of gadgets, leaving no space for food preparation.
The study examines how the widespread adoption of labor-saving appliances impacted the socio-economic status of suburban households.
academicThe research looks at how using machines to save work changed the wealth and status of families.
Our quarterly revenue saw a significant uptick following the launch of our smart appliance line.
businessOur company profits increased after we started selling internet-connected household machines.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
small appliance
portable machines like toasters or kettles
major appliance
large machines like refrigerators or washers
smart appliance
devices connected to the internet
Often Confused With
An 'appliance' is a physical machine (hardware), while an 'application' is a computer program (software) or the act of putting something to use.
A 'device' is a broader term for any invention; 'appliance' is specifically for functional domestic/professional tasks.
Usage Notes
In North America, 'appliance' almost exclusively refers to household machines like stoves and refrigerators, whereas in technical contexts, it can refer to any specialized instrument.
Common Mistakes
Learners often call software on their phones an 'appliance,' but they should use the word 'application' or 'app' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'apply.' You 'apply' a specific tool to a specific task. An 'appliance' is the physical object that lets you do that.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'apliance', from 'aplier', meaning to join or apply something to a use.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western culture, the 'appliance' is a symbol of domestic convenience and the technological advancement of the 20th-century home.
Quick Quiz
The energy star label helps consumers identify which _____ uses the least amount of electricity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: appliance
Related Grammar Rules
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