Download: meaning, definitions and examples

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download

 

[ ˈdaʊnˌloʊd ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

computer

Transfer (data) from a server or host computer to one's own computer or device.

Synonyms

acquire, fetch, retrieve, save.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
download

This word is typically used in the context of getting files or data from the internet or another remote system onto your local device.

  • I need to download the latest software update.
  • She downloaded the movie to watch later.
retrieve

This usually means getting something back that was previously stored or used, often used in technical or data-driven contexts.

  • You can retrieve your password by following these steps.
  • The dog was trained to retrieve the ball.
save

This word is used when you put away data or information to keep it for future use, usually on a device or cloud storage.

  • Make sure you save your work regularly to avoid loss.
  • She saved the document to her computer.
fetch

This word is often used in the context of going to get something and bring it back. It can be used for both physical and digital contexts.

  • Can you fetch me a glass of water?
  • The program is designed to fetch data from the server every hour.
acquire

Use 'acquire' when referring to obtaining something that involves more effort or negotiation, often used in a more formal or business context.

  • The company plans to acquire new technology to improve its services.
  • He's looking to acquire new skills for his career.

Examples of usage

  • I need to download the latest software update.
  • You can download the file from the internet.
  • The movie is available for download on the streaming platform.
  • Make sure to download the attachment before the meeting.
  • The website allows users to download music for free.
Context #2 | Noun

computer

The act or process of transferring data from a server or host computer to one's own computer or device.

Synonyms

retrieval, saving, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
download

Commonly used when obtaining data or files from the internet or a remote server to a local device.

  • I need to download the latest version of the software.
  • Make sure to download the file before you lose the link.
transfer

Refers to moving data or files from one location to another, which could be between devices, servers, or storage systems.

  • The file transfer between the old server and the new one was smooth.
  • She transferred the documents to her colleague via email.
retrieval

Often used in formal or technical contexts to refer to the process of getting back stored information or data from a database or storage system.

  • Data retrieval from the archive system can take a few minutes.
  • The retrieval of documents from the storage room was necessary for the audit.
saving

Used when talking about storing data or files on a local device or server, usually to keep it for future use.

  • Don't forget to save your work regularly to avoid losing progress.
  • He spent the whole evening saving photos from the camera to the computer.

Examples of usage

  • The download speed is very slow.
  • The download completed successfully.
  • You can monitor the download progress.

Translations

Translations of the word "download" in other languages:

🇵🇹 baixar

🇮🇳 डाउनलोड करना

🇩🇪 herunterladen

🇮🇩 unduh

🇺🇦 завантажити

🇵🇱 pobrać

🇯🇵 ダウンロードする

🇫🇷 télécharger

🇪🇸 descargar

🇹🇷 indirmek

🇰🇷 다운로드하다

🇸🇦 تحميل

🇨🇿 stáhnout

🇸🇰 stiahnuť

🇨🇳 下载

🇸🇮 prenesti

🇮🇸 sækja

🇰🇿 жүктеп алу

🇬🇪 გადმოწერა

🇦🇿 yükləmək

🇲🇽 descargar

Etymology

The term 'download' originated in the early 1980s in the context of computer technology. It combines 'down-' as in moving something from a higher position to a lower one, and 'load' in the sense of transferring data or information. With the rise of the internet and digital technology, the concept of downloading has become ubiquitous in everyday life, allowing users to obtain files, software, media, and more from online sources.

See also: downloader, load, loaded, offload, overload, unload, upload.