C1 noun Neutral

computer

/kəmˈpjuː.tər/

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to restart my computer because it's running incredibly slow today.

I need to reboot my personal device as its performance has significantly decreased today.

2

The institution has upgraded its computer infrastructure to facilitate more complex data analysis.

The organization improved its digital hardware systems to allow for more intricate data processing.

3

My computer is acting up again; I think it might have a virus.

My laptop is malfunctioning once more; I suspect it is infected with malware.

Word Family

Noun
computer
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computing
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Memory Tip

Think of the Latin root 'putare' which means 'to think' or 'to prune'. A computer is a machine that 'thinks with' (com-) data to give you a result.

Quick Quiz

The research team utilized a powerful super_____ to analyze the billions of data points collected from the satellite.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computer

Examples

1

I need to restart my computer because it's running incredibly slow today.

everyday

I need to reboot my personal device as its performance has significantly decreased today.

2

The institution has upgraded its computer infrastructure to facilitate more complex data analysis.

formal

The organization improved its digital hardware systems to allow for more intricate data processing.

3

My computer is acting up again; I think it might have a virus.

informal

My laptop is malfunctioning once more; I suspect it is infected with malware.

4

High-performance computer systems are indispensable for simulating climate change models.

academic

Advanced computing hardware is essential for creating digital simulations of environmental shifts.

5

The company allocated a significant portion of its budget to procure high-end computer workstations for the design team.

business

The firm spent a large amount of money to buy powerful desktop units for the creative department.

Word Family

Noun
computer
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computing

Common Collocations

computer literate having the knowledge and ability to use computers effectively
personal computer a multi-purpose computer whose size and capabilities make it useful for individuals
computer network a set of computers sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes
computer hardware the physical components that a computer system requires to function
quantum computer a computer that exploits quantum mechanical phenomena to perform calculations

Common Phrases

garbage in, garbage out

the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input

computer says no

a phrase used to describe a situation where a bureaucratic process is stalled by a rigid system

computer-aided design

the use of computers to assist in the creation or modification of a design

Often Confused With

computer vs calculator

A calculator is designed for basic arithmetic, while a computer is a general-purpose programmable machine.

computer vs processor

The processor is a specific component (the CPU) inside the computer, not the entire machine itself.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is frequently used as an attributive noun (e.g., 'computer science', 'computer desk'). In modern contexts, 'computer' often implies a desktop or laptop, though technically it includes smartphones and servers.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the gerund 'computing' when they actually mean the physical object 'computer'. Additionally, avoid using 'a computer' when referring to the abstract field of study, which should be 'computer science'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin root 'putare' which means 'to think' or 'to prune'. A computer is a machine that 'thinks with' (com-) data to give you a result.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'computare' (to count, sum up, or reckon together); originally referred to a person who performed mathematical calculations.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: computers often acts as a noun adjunct in compound nouns
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Cultural Context

The transition from 'room-sized mainframes' to the 'Personal Computer' (PC) in the 1980s is considered one of the most significant cultural shifts in modern history.

Quick Quiz

The research team utilized a powerful super_____ to analyze the billions of data points collected from the satellite.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computer

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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