Meaning & use

Formatting

noun·Everyday

Last updated

The process of arranging, styling, or structuring text, data, or a document according to a particular set of rules or appearance.

See it in a sentence

She spent an hour fixing the formatting before submitting the report.

Inconsistent formatting across the slides made the presentation look unpolished.

A note on using this word

In computing, 'formatting' a disk means preparing it to store data, a distinct sense from formatting text or documents.

Words with a similar meaning

layoutstyling

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

The process of preparing a storage device to receive data by erasing existing content and setting up a file system.

He had to reinstall the software after formatting the hard drive.

Make it your own

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