Meaning & use
software
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Meanings
noununcountable
The programs and instructions that a computer uses to do tasks, rather than its physical parts.
Grammar: Uncountable: say 'some software' or 'a piece of software', not 'a software'.
Patterns
- install software
- use software
- software for doing something
You need to install the software before you can use the printer.
The company develops software for schools.
This software helps you edit photos quickly.
noununcountable
A particular set of programs or applications.
Grammar: Still uncountable; use 'a program' or 'an application' for one item.
Patterns
- a piece of software
- download software
- update software
She downloaded a piece of software to organize her notes.
The new software is easier to use than the old one.
We need to update the software on all the office computers.
Common combinations
- install software
- It only takes a few minutes to install the software.
- software update
- A software update fixed the problem.
- software engineer
- He works as a software engineer for a small company.
- free software
- There is free software that does the same job.
- a piece of software
- This piece of software is very reliable.
Synonyms and how they differ
- program
- A program is one specific set of instructions; software is the general term for all such programs.
- application
- An application is a program designed for users, such as a word processor; software is broader.
Opposites
Word family
- software engineer noun
- A person who designs and writes software.
Commonly confused: software or hardware?
software vs hardware
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer; software is the programs.
Practice
I need to buy some new ______ for my laptop.
Choose one answer.
Software is uncountable, so it has no plural and does not take 'a'. 'Some new software' is correct.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “software”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.