format

The type of a computer file, which determines how programs store and read it.

• Save the image in PNG format.
• My phone cannot open this file format.
• Can you convert it to another format?

How to use it: in a particular format (The document is available in PDF format.)

Similar words: file type

Common phrases: file format, PDF format, in PDF format

The way written material is arranged and presented on a page.

• Use the same format for each report.
• The new format has larger headings.
• Which format makes the instructions easiest to read?

How to use it: in a particular format (Please submit your notes in this format.)

Similar words: layout, arrangement

Common phrases: report format, in this format, a clear format

The way an event, show, or other activity is planned and organized.

• The meeting has a relaxed format.
• They changed the format of the quiz show.
• This radio station uses a news format.

How to use it: the format of something (We discussed the format of the debate.)

Similar words: structure, style

Common phrases: show format, meeting format, radio format

To arrange text on a page, choosing its appearance and layout.

• Please format the report.
• She formatted the headings in bold.
• How should I format this table?

How to use it: format something as something (Format the information as a table.)

Similar words: arrange, lay out

Common phrases: format a document, format the text, format a table

To prepare a disk or storage device for saving files, usually removing existing files.

• You must format the disk first.
• I formatted the memory card before using it.
• Have you backed up the files before formatting the drive?

Similar words: initialize

Common phrases: format a disk, format a drive, format a card