software
gb/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/ us/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Programs used by a computer
Programs and instructions that make a computer do things.
Usage pattern:
[someone] installs/uses [software]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'software' with 'hardware'. Remember: software is the digital instructions, hardware is the physical machine.
Synonyms
application (Often refers to a specific program designed for a particular task, rather than all programs collectively.)
|
program (A more general term for an individual piece of software.)
Antonyms
hardware (Refers to the physical parts of a computer, as opposed to the programs and data.)
Collocations
install software
|download software
|update software
|software application
|software developer
Themes
technology
|computing
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company released new software to improve productivity.
- You need to update the software to fix the security issues.
- This software allows you to edit photos easily.
- She specializes in developing educational software.
- The software crashed after I tried to open the file.
Learner examples
- I installed new software on my laptop.
- This software helps me learn English.
- We use software to make videos.
- He bought software for graphic design.
- The software is easy to use.
Grammar
Dictionary form
software
IPA
GB/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
US/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
Syllables & stress
soft - ware (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (soft)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: software
- Plural: software, softwares
Word family
Forms
softwares
noun
Core family
Related words
Expressions
software development
1/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ dɪvˈɛləpmənt/
fixed phrase
technical
Creating and maintaining programs
The work of making and improving computer programs.
Examples
- Software development can take months or even years.
- He is studying software development at university.
software engineer
1/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ ˈɛnd͡ʒənˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Person who creates programs
A person who makes and builds computer programs.
Examples
- She works as a software engineer at a tech company.
- Many software engineers enjoy problem-solving.
software package
1/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ pˈækɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
technical
Collection of related programs
A group of computer programs that come together as one product.
Examples
- The office software package includes a word processor and a spreadsheet program.
- This software package includes several useful design tools.
- We bought a new software package for accounting.
- They installed a new accounting software package at work.
software update
1/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ ˈʌpdˌeɪt/
fixed phrase
technical
Installing a newer program version
When you put a newer version of a program on your computer or device.
Examples
- The software update improved battery life.
- My phone is slow because it needs a software update.
- You should install the latest software update for security.
- The software update fixed several bugs.