Meaning & use
technology
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Meanings
noununcountable
Scientific knowledge used to make tools, machines and systems that solve practical problems.
Grammar: Used without an or plural for the field in general: advances in technology.
Patterns
- technology for something
Modern technology has changed how we shop.
She works in the technology industry.
Advances in medical technology save lives every day.
nouncountable
A particular method, machine or system produced by this knowledge.
Grammar: Often used with this or new: a new technology, these technologies.
Patterns
- a technology for something
The company developed a new technology for recycling plastic.
Solar technologies are becoming cheaper every year.
Word forms
| plural | technologies |
|---|
Common combinations
- cutting-edge technology
- The hospital uses cutting-edge technology.
- information technology
- He studied information technology at college.
- adopt a technology
- Farmers are quick to adopt new technology.
- rely on technology
- We rely on technology for almost everything.
- technology company
- She got a job at a technology company.
Synonyms and how they differ
- machinery
- Refers only to machines, not to the knowledge behind them.
- engineering
- Is the profession of designing and building things, whereas technology is the broader use of that knowledge.
- gadgetry
- Is a casual word for small electronic devices.
Word family
- technological adjective
- relating to technology
- technologist noun
- an expert in a branch of technology
- technologically adverb
- in terms of technology
Commonly confused: technology or technique?
technology vs technique
A technique is a method or skill for doing something; technology is the tools and systems themselves.
Practice
Which word is closest in meaning to technology in the sentence 'The new technology cut costs by half'?
Choose one answer.
Here technology means a practical method or system. Tradition, argument and habit have no connection to scientific tools.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “technology”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.