Table: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿช‘
Add to dictionary

table

 

[หˆteษชbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

furniture

A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working.

Synonyms

counter, desk, workbench.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
table

A flat surface used for various activities like eating, writing, or placing objects. Found in dining rooms, kitchens, or any general living area.

  • We put the plates on the dining table
  • I often do my homework at the kitchen table
desk

A type of table typically used for working or studying, often equipped with drawers or compartments for storing office supplies.

  • He keeps his computer and books on his work desk
  • The teacherโ€™s desk is at the front of the classroom
counter

A long, flat surface used primarily for preparing food or displaying items in kitchens or stores.

  • She chopped vegetables on the kitchen counter
  • The cashier rang up my purchases at the store counter
workbench

A sturdy table used for manual work such as woodworking, metalworking, or other crafts. Often found in workshops or garages.

  • The carpenter used his workbench to assemble the new chair
  • He keeps all his tools organized on the workbench

Examples of usage

  • I have a wooden table in my dining room.
  • She sat at the table to write her letter.
  • The family gathered around the table for dinner.
Context #2 | Noun

data organization

A set of data arranged in rows and columns for easy reference.

Synonyms

chart, matrix, spreadsheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
table

A table is often used for organizing data in rows and columns, commonly found in documents, reports, and databases.

  • The sales data is displayed in a table for easier comparison.
  • Please refer to table 4 for the survey results.
chart

Charts are visual representations of data, including graphs like bar, pie, or line charts. They are used to make data easier to understand at a glance.

  • The pie chart shows the market share of different companies.
  • We included a bar chart to illustrate the increase in sales over time.
spreadsheet

Spreadsheets are digital documents used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in a tabular form, often allowing for complex calculations and data manipulation. Common applications include Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

  • Please update the spreadsheet with the latest quarterly figures.
  • We track our expenses using a detailed spreadsheet.
matrix

A matrix is a mathematical concept but in a broader sense can represent a grid of elements, often used in mathematics, computer science, and sometimes in complex data representation.

  • The adjacency matrix of a graph shows the connection between nodes.
  • We used a decision matrix to evaluate the potential outcomes.

Examples of usage

  • The table shows the sales figures for the past year.
  • Please refer to the table for more information.
Context #3 | Verb

postpone consideration

To postpone consideration or discussion of.

Synonyms

defer, delay, shelve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
defer

Often used in legal or academic settings, indicating a formal decision to delay something.

  • The judge decided to defer the sentencing until next month.
  • The committee decided to defer the discussion until further notice.
shelve

Used to indicate that something is put aside or paused indefinitely, often implying a lower priority.

  • The company decided to shelve the project due to budget cuts.
  • She decided to shelve her plans to travel abroad for now.
delay

Used generally to indicate a late start or interruption, often beyond one's control. It might have a negative connotation.

  • The train was delayed by two hours.
  • Technical issues caused a delay in the project.

Examples of usage

  • Let's table this issue for now and come back to it later.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'table' comes from the Latin word 'tabula,' meaning a slab or board.
  • In old French, 'table' referred to a board used for writing or eating.
  • It evolved through Middle English, where it had similar meanings related to a flat surface.

Cultural Significance

  • Tables have been central to social gatherings; many cultures feature communal meals around a table.
  • In many traditions, the dining table serves as a centerpiece for family bonding and celebration.
  • The act of coming to the table has become a metaphor for negotiation and settlement in politics.

Science

  • Tables are essential in data visualization; they help organize and present information clearly.
  • In chemistry, the Periodic Table organizes elements based on their properties, aiding in scientific studies.
  • Mathematics uses tables (like multiplication tables) to simplify complex calculations.

History

  • In ancient civilizations, tables were often made of stone or wood, used for sacrifice or offerings.
  • In medieval times, long tables were common for feasting and were symbols of status and wealth.
  • The design of tables has evolved from simple structures to elegantly designed pieces, often reflecting cultural artistry.

Art

  • Tables are featured in numerous art pieces, symbolizing domesticity and social interaction.
  • They appear in famous paintings (like 'The Last Supper') emphasizing their role in gathering and communication.
  • Contemporary art sometimes challenges traditional notions of what a table symbolizes, making it a focus for social commentary.

Translations

Translations of the word "table" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mesa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ‡เคœเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ meja

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ั–ะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stรณล‚

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ†ใƒผใƒ–ใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท table

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mesa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท masa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ…Œ์ด๋ธ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุงูˆู„ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stลฏl

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ stรดl

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆกŒๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ miza

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ borรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฏัั‚ะตะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ’แƒ˜แƒ“แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stol

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mesa

Word Frequency Rank

With position #492, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.