system
gb/sˈɪstəm/ us/sˈɪstəm/
A2
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
organized set of connected parts
A group of things or parts that work together as one unit.
Usage pattern:
a [type] system
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'system' with 'method'. A 'system' is a whole set of connected parts; a 'method' is a way of doing something.
Synonyms
structure (Focuses on arrangement rather than function.)
|
network (Suggests interconnected parts, often for communication or transport.)
Antonyms
disorder (Refers to a lack of organization or structure.)
Collocations
computer system
|nervous system
|solar system
|security system
|economic system
Themes
science
|technology
|organization
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The nervous system controls the body's responses.
- We upgraded our computer system last year.
- The solar system consists of the sun and its planets.
- The new security system has cameras and alarms.
- The economic system is facing challenges.
Learner examples
- The solar system has many planets.
- My phone is part of a big computer system.
- The human body has a nervous system.
- We need a new security system for the house.
Noun
B1
entity
2
method or organized way
A planned and ordered way of doing something.
Usage pattern:
a system for [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'system' in this sense with 'routine'. A 'routine' is something done regularly; a 'system' is more about the structure or method used.
Synonyms
method (Emphasizes the process rather than the overall structure.)
|
procedure (More formal and detailed than 'system'.)
Antonyms
chaos (A total lack of order or planning.)
Collocations
system for learning
|system of payment
|voting system
|grading system
Themes
organization
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- We have a new system for tracking sales.
- The grading system is fair to all students.
- She developed a system for organizing her files.
- The voting system was recently updated.
Learner examples
- We use a system for cleaning the office.
- The school has a grading system.
- I made a system to find my files.
Noun
B1
entity
3
group of organs with a function
A group of body parts that do one main job together.
Usage pattern:
the [name] system
Synonyms
apparatus (More technical term for a group of bodily organs.)
Collocations
digestive system
|respiratory system
|immune system
Themes
science
|health
|body
Examples
- The respiratory system helps us breathe.
- Your immune system fights infections.
- The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients.
Learner examples
- The heart is part of the circulatory system.
- The lungs are in the respiratory system.
- The immune system helps you stay healthy.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
4
computer hardware and software set
A group of computer parts and programs that work together.
Synonyms
platform (Focuses on the base environment for software.)
Collocations
operating system
|information system
Themes
technology
Examples
- The operating system needs to be updated.
- Our new information system improves data storage.
Learner examples
- My phone has a new operating system.
- The library uses an information system.
Grammar
Dictionary form
system
IPA
GB/sˈɪstəm/
US/sˈɪstəm/
Syllables & stress
sys - tem (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sys)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: system
- Plural: system, systems
Word family
Forms
systems
noun
Core family
systematic
adjective B2
systematically
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unsystematic
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
systemic
adjective C1
Expressions
back in the system
2/bˈæk ˈɪn ðə sˈɪstəm/
fixed phrase
informal
returned to process or structure
To be part of an organized process again after being away from it.
Examples
- After the break, he’s back in the system and ready to work.
- It took time to get back in the system after moving.
systematic approach
1/sˌɪstəmˈætɪk əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
organized and methodical way
A careful and planned way to do something, step by step.
Examples
- We need a systematic approach to solve this problem.
- Her research uses a systematic approach to collect data.