Hardware: meaning, definitions and examples
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hardware
[ ˈhɑːrdweər ]
computer technology
Physical components of a computer system, such as the motherboard, processor, and hard drive.
Synonyms
apparatus, equipment, machinery.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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hardware |
Refers specifically to tools, devices, or physical technology components. Commonly used in the context of computers or electronics.
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equipment |
A general term that encompasses tools, machinery, and devices needed for a specific task or activity. Suitable for a wide range of contexts including sports, construction, and office work.
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machinery |
Refers to large mechanical devices or a group of machines, often used in industrial or factory settings.
|
apparatus |
Refers to a complex structure within an organization or a set of materials or equipment for a specific purpose. Often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The hardware of the computer needed an upgrade to improve its performance.
- She studied hardware engineering in college.
general
Tools, implements, or other durable equipment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
hardware |
Refers to mechanical equipment, machinery, tools, or computer components. Used broadly in both technology and construction settings.
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tools |
General term for any handheld device or equipment that helps accomplish a task, often used in workshops, maintenance, or crafting.
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utensils |
Usually refers to tools or implements used for eating or cooking, commonly found in kitchens.
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implements |
Deals with tools or instruments, especially those used in farming, gardening, or manual work. Often implies tools used for specific tasks.
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Examples of usage
- The store sells a variety of hardware, from hammers to screws.
- He needed to buy some hardware for his DIY project.
Translations
Translations of the word "hardware" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hardware
🇮🇳 हार्डवेयर
🇩🇪 Hardware
🇮🇩 perangkat keras
🇺🇦 апаратне забезпечення
🇵🇱 sprzęt komputerowy
🇯🇵 ハードウェア
🇫🇷 matériel
🇪🇸 hardware
🇹🇷 donanım
🇰🇷 하드웨어
🇸🇦 مكونات الحاسوب
🇨🇿 hardware
🇸🇰 hardvér
🇨🇳 硬件
🇸🇮 strojna oprema
🇮🇸 búnaður
🇰🇿 аппараттық құрал
🇬🇪 აპარატურა
🇦🇿 aparat təminatı
🇲🇽 hardware
Etymology
The term 'hardware' originated in the 1950s in the field of computer science to refer to the physical components of a computer system. It has since expanded to encompass physical tools and equipment in general. The word 'hardware' is a combination of 'hard' (referring to the physical nature of the components) and 'ware' (derived from 'hardware' meaning goods or merchandise).
See also: hard, hardball, harden, hardening, harder, hardliner, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships, hardy.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,670, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
- ...
- 4667 lowered
- 4668 stimulation
- 4669 hire
- 4670 hardware
- 4671 elimination
- 4672 yearly
- 4673 mad
- ...