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Meaning & use

update

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ʌpˈdeɪt/
US/ʌpˈdeɪt/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To make something current by adding new information, changes, or improvements.

    Grammar: Takes the thing changed as object: update the file; common with records, software, and systems.

    Patterns

    • update something
    • update software
    • update records
    • update something regularly

    Please update your address before the billing cycle.

    The app updates itself overnight.

    We updated the safety manual after the inspection.

  2. verbtransitive

    To give someone the newest information about a situation or person.

    Grammar: Pattern is update someone on or about something; contrast tell, which does not need on.

    Patterns

    • update someone on something
    • update someone about progress
    • keep someone updated

    The nurse updated the family on his condition.

    Can you update me about the client meeting?

    I will keep you updated as decisions are made.

  3. nouncountablecomputing

    New information that brings people up to date, or a newer version of something.

    Grammar: As a noun it is usually stressed on the first syllable: UP-date; plural is updates.

    Patterns

    • a news update
    • a software update
    • the latest update
    • an update on something

    The evening news gave a quick weather update.

    Install the latest update to fix the bug.

    She sent an update on the fundraising total.

Word forms

third person singularupdates
past tenseupdated
past participleupdated
-ing formupdating

Common combinations

update software
Back up your files before you update software.
update records
The office updates records every Friday afternoon.
update someone on progress
The manager updated the board on progress.
latest update
Have you read the latest update from the clinic?
news update
A news update interrupted the program.
keep updated
Subscribe to keep updated on new courses.

Synonyms and how they differ

revise
Revise stresses changing text or plans to improve accuracy; update stresses bringing information to the present.
refresh
Refresh can mean make new again, especially memory or display; update is broader and more factual.
notify
Notify means tell someone formally and does not itself change the information.
upgrade
Upgrade improves hardware, software, or status; update may only add current information.

Opposites

outdatedstale

Word family

updated adjective
Made current or containing the latest information.
updating noun
The process of making something current.
updater noun
A person or tool that updates something, often software.

Commonly confused: update or up-to-date? update or upload?

update vs up-to-date

Up-to-date is an adjective meaning current; update is a verb or noun naming the action or information.

update vs upload

Upload means send data to a network; update means change it to a newer state.

Practice

Choose the best completion: The app needs an ___ to fix the crash.

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