format
Definitions
The way in which something is arranged or presented.
格式；版式；安排方式
(Computing) the encoding or layout of a file or data.
（计算）文件格式；数据格式
To arrange or organize in a particular form.
编排；安排格式
(Computing) to prepare a storage device for use by setting up its file system.
（计算）格式化（存储设备）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedform + -at (from Latin past participle -atum) = 'something that has been formed,' an arranged or shaped layout. Originally a printing term (book format = the shape/size of a book), now widely used for any data layout, especially in computing.
Root form still carries 39 more wordsUsage Guide
- General arrangement: 'the show's format,' 'a Q&A format' — the way it's organized
- Document/media: 'a small format,' 'large-format printing'
- File formats (computing): JPEG, MP3, PDF — encoding standards
- Verb: 'format the document,' 'format the disk' — different actions: arrange vs prepare-for-use
- Stress: FOR-mat (noun and verb, same)
Example Sentences
- 1.
The conference uses a panel discussion format.
- 2.
Save the file in PDF format.
- 3.
Please format your résumé in a single column.
- 4.
Be careful—formatting the drive will erase all data.