Table Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'table'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'table' originated from the Latin word 'tabula', which means a board, plank, or flat piece. It has evolved over time to refer to a piece of furniture with a flat top and legs. In data organization, a table refers to a systematic arrangement of data for easy reference. The verb form of 'table' originated in the British Parliament, where it was used to postpone discussions. Over the years, the word has become widely used in various contexts.


See also: tablecloth, tablecloths, tableland, tables, tablets, tableware.

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.