configuration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "configuration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the arrangement of components, parts, or elements of something. For example, "The configuration of our new office space is designed to maximize efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could there really be a progressive alliance that brings together people from different traditions in a new configuration?

The Guardian

We'll operate as a democracy, this symbolic configuration hints, yet some force of divinity will animate us.

The Guardian

"This is something we are going to do, but we are not sure yet about the optimal configuration".

The Economist

So much, in fact, that as First Class passengers have spread out to take up the first third of the plane, Air Gini has been forced to replace the luxurious Business Class seats in the real-life configuration with still-comfortable but noticeably smaller chairs.So next time you squeeze your knees into a seat with a 29-inch pitch, you might be thankful for what you've got.

The Economist

Of course, even if the event meets its financial goals, its reform could easily be reversed if Team Oracle is defeated and a new champion decides to revert to the Cup's traditional configuration.

The Economist

It cannot, reckons Dr Rogers, be a coincidence that a single supercontinent with a Pangaea-like configuration emerges time and time again.

The Economist

Worse, 27% of people who bought network gear said that they ran into problems during configuration, leading many to call the help desk of their internet service provider (who may or may not be responsible for the problem) at an estimated annual cost of $1.4 billion to that industry.

The Economist

For over six months in 2005, teams of people from the various 787 partners met at Boeing's base in Everett, north of Seattle, to work together on the configuration of the plane something that until then Boeing had always done by itself.

The Economist

Dell, which builds its PCs to order and sells them directly to customers, has changed the configuration of some of its systems so that machines which contain more memory now cost more.

The Economist

In the configuration ordered by DayJet, it will carry two pilots and three passengers.In this section After Yukos Down to the wire Concrete plans Hunter or hunted?

The Economist

The software uses previously unknown tricks to worm its way into industrial control systems undetected, searching for a particular configuration that matches its target at which point it wreaks havoc by reprogramming the system, closing valves and shutting down pipelines.This is not fiction, but fact.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical systems, be specific about which aspects of the "configuration" are relevant (e.g., hardware, software, network).

Common error

Do not use "configuration" without specifying what is being configured. Unclear references can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The word "configuration" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the arrangement of elements in a system or the setup of equipment. Ludwig shows examples where it describes the setup of computer systems, aircraft interiors, and political landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "configuration" is a versatile noun used to describe the arrangement or setup of components within a system. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, specify what is being configured. Consider alternatives like "arrangement" or "setup" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. Remember to use "configuration" to clearly describe how elements are organized to achieve a specific function or outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrangement

Focuses on the spatial ordering of elements.

setup

Implies preparing something for use.

layout

Refers to the design or plan of something.

format

Describes the structure or presentation of data.

structure

Highlights the organization and interrelation of parts.

design

Emphasizes the planning and creation of a functional or aesthetic arrangement.

system architecture

A more technical term for the design and structure of a system.

organization

Focuses on the systematic arrangement of elements.

parameters

Refers to a set of measurable factors that define a system's operation.

specification

Details the requirements and characteristics of something.

FAQs

How is "configuration" used in technical contexts?

In technical contexts, "configuration" refers to the setup and arrangement of hardware, software, or network components to ensure optimal performance or compatibility. This includes settings, parameters, and specifications that define how a system operates.

What's the difference between "arrangement" and "configuration"?

"Arrangement" generally refers to the physical or spatial organization of elements, while "configuration" often implies a functional setup or set of settings that determine how something operates. You can use alternatives like "arrangement" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "configuration" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using alternatives such as "system architecture", "specification", or "organization". For example, instead of "adjust the configuration", you might say "modify the "system architecture"".

Is it correct to use "configuration" when talking about abstract concepts?

Yes, "configuration" can be used for abstract concepts, but it's more common and clearer to use it when describing tangible systems or setups. Alternatives for abstract concepts could be "organization" or "structure".