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Initialize: meaning, definitions and examples

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initialize

 

[ ɪˈnɪʃəˌlaɪz ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

programming

To assign an initial value to a variable or object.

Synonyms

begin, set-up, start

Examples of usage

  • I need to initialize this variable before using it.
  • The program crashed because the variable was not properly initialized.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To prepare a device or system for use.

Synonyms

configure, prepare, set-up

Examples of usage

  • You need to initialize the printer before you can start using it.
  • The computer needs to be initialized before it can connect to the network.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

The process of setting an initial value or configuration for a system or device.

Synonyms

configuration, setup, start

Examples of usage

  • During initialization, the system checks for any errors in the configuration.
  • The initialization of the software may take a few minutes.

Translations

Translations of the word "initialize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inicializar

🇮🇳 प्रारंभ करना

🇩🇪 initialisieren

🇮🇩 menginisialisasi

🇺🇦 ініціалізувати

🇵🇱 inicjalizować

🇯🇵 初期化する

🇫🇷 initialiser

🇪🇸 inicializar

🇹🇷 başlatmak

🇰🇷 초기화하다

🇸🇦 تهيئة

🇨🇿 inicializovat

🇸🇰 inicializovať

🇨🇳 初始化

🇸🇮 inicializirati

🇮🇸 frumstilla

🇰🇿 бастау

🇬🇪 ინიციალიზაცია

🇦🇿 inicializasiya etmək

🇲🇽 inicializar

Etymology

The word 'initialize' originated from the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word 'initialis' meaning 'of the beginning'. It first appeared in English around the 17th century. The term gained popularity in the field of computing and technology, where it is commonly used to refer to the process of setting up or preparing devices and systems for use.

See also: initialism, initialisms, initially, initials.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,045, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.