download

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To copy a file or data from the internet or another computer onto your own device.

   Grammar: Takes an object: download the app. The source is often shown with from: download a file from the website.

   Patterns

   • download something
   • download something from something
   • download something onto something

   I downloaded the report from the company website.

   She downloaded the photos onto her laptop.

   You can download the song for free.

2. 2nouncountable

   A file or piece of data that has been or can be downloaded.

   Grammar: Countable: a download, two downloads. Often used after verbs like make or get.

   Patterns

   • a download of something
   • make a download
   • get a download

   The download took only a few seconds.

   The app has had over a million downloads.

   I saved the download to my desktop.

Word forms

Common combinations

download a file

Please download the file before the meeting.

download an app

I downloaded a new app for learning Spanish.

download from the internet

You can download the software from the internet.

free download

The album is available as a free download.

digital download

The digital download includes a PDF booklet.

Synonyms and how they differ

save

Use save when you keep a file on your device; download specifically means bringing it from the internet or another computer.

transfer

Transfer is more general and can mean moving files in any direction; download is only from a remote source to your device.

Opposites

Word family

downloader noun

A person or program that downloads files.

Commonly confused: download or upload?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “download”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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