computer
computer
Pronunciation
/kəmˈpjuːtər/.
First syllable: com- /kəm/
/k/: voiceless velar plosive
/ə/: schwa (mid-central vowel)
/m/: bilabial nasal
Second syllable: -pu- /ˈpjuː/
/p/: voiceless bilabial plosive
/j/: palatal approximant ("y" sound)
/uː/: long close back rounded vowel
Third syllable: -ter /tər/
/t/: voiceless alveolar plosive
/ər/: r-colored vowel (schwa with r-coloring)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: computer (e.g., "I bought a new computer.")
Plural Noun: computers (e.g., "We have several computers in the office.")
While "computer" itself doesn't have many other common inflectional forms (like verb tenses or adjective forms derived directly from "computer"), it is often used in combination with other words to form related terms. These aren't "word form variations" in the traditional sense of singular/plural, but they are common usages:
Compound Nouns/Phrases:
computer science
computer programmer
computer virus
computer graphics
computer system
computer network
computer-aided design (CAD)
computer literacy
Adjective (derived from "computer" or related to it):
computational (related to computation, which computers perform)
computing (as in "computing power," "computing device")
The word "compute" is the verb from which "computer" is derived, so you could consider its forms:
Verb: compute, computes, computed, computing
Noun (action): computation
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. Definition: An electronic device designed to process, store, and retrieve data, execute programs, and perform calculations rapidly and accurately under the control of a set of instructions. It typically consists of hardware components (like a processor, memory, and storage) and software (operating systems and applications) that enable it to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple arithmetic to complex simulations.
Synonyms: machine, PC (personal computer), workstation, laptop, desktop, server, mainframe (for larger, older types)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for "computer" as a device; concepts would be non-electronic or manual methods) manual calculator, abacus (referring to non-electronic calculation tools)
2. Definition: (Historical/Obsolete) A person whose occupation was to perform calculations, often complex ones, before the advent of electronic devices.
Synonyms: calculator (person), human calculator, reckoner, tabulator
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a human computer; concepts would be automated calculation) electronic calculator, computer (the device)
Verb
(Note: "Computer" is primarily a noun. The verb form is "compute," from which "computer" is derived.)
1. Definition (of "compute"): To calculate or reckon a sum or quantity.
Synonyms: calculate, reckon, figure, tally, total, enumerate, determine, ascertain
Antonyms: guess, estimate (in the sense of not calculating precisely), surmise, conjecture
2. Definition (of "compute"): To determine or achieve a result by using mathematical or logical methods.
Synonyms: solve, resolve, work out, derive, deduce, figure out
Antonyms: ignore, overlook, neglect, disregard
Adjective
(Note: "Computer" itself is rarely used as a direct adjective in its core form. Instead, we use related terms or "computer" as part of a compound noun functioning adjectivally. The closest pure adjective is "computational," or using "computing" as an adjective.)
1. Definition (of "computational" - related to computers/computing): Pertaining to or involving computation; related to the process or act of computing.
Synonyms: analytical, algorithmic, numerical, mathematical
Antonyms: uncalculated, non-computational, intuitive (in the sense of not based on calculation)
2. Definition (of "computing" - as in "computing power"): Relating to or used for the operation of computers.
Synonyms: digital, electronic, processing, data-processing
Antonyms: manual, analog (in some contexts)
Adverb
(Note: There is no direct adverb form of "computer." Related adverbs would come from "compute" or "computational.")
1. Definition (of "computationally" - from "computational"): In a manner relating to computation or requiring the use of a computer.
Synonyms: numerically, algorithmically, analytically, digitally
Antonyms: manually, intuitively (in the sense of not via calculation), non-computationally
Examples of Use
Books:
"The first computer, ENIAC, was built in the 1940s and weighed over 30 tons." (From a hypothetical history of technology textbook)
"She spent hours every day in front of her computer, coding intricate algorithms for the new software." (From a novel about a programmer)
Newspapers:
"The government announced a new initiative to provide every student with access to a computer for remote learning." (Local Daily News )
"Experts warn of a new strain of malware targeting personal computers globally." (The Tech Herald )
Online Publications:
"How to choose the best gaming computer for your needs in 2025." (TechRadar.com )
"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we interact with our computers." (wired.com )
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "In the movie 'WarGames,' a young hacker accidentally accesses a military computer that nearly starts World War III." (Refers to the 1983 film WarGames)
Television Series: "The detective used a forensic computer to piece together fragmented data from the suspect's hard drive." (From a crime procedural TV show, e.g., CSI: Cyber)
Video Games: "Players can build and upgrade their virtual computer systems in 'PC Building Simulator' to achieve better performance." (From the game PC Building Simulator)
Music (Lyrics): "Is a machine running the world? Are we just slaves to the computer?" (Hypothetical lyric from a song questioning technology's role)
Podcasts: "Today's episode delves into the history of the personal computer and its impact on modern society." (From a technology history podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"My old computer is running so slow; I really need to get a new one." (Common conversation between friends)
"Can you send me that document? I'm not near a computer right now." (Text message or casual conversation)
"The kids nowadays are practically born knowing how to use a computer." (Observation made by an older generation)
"Don't forget to back up your files, especially if you store important data on your computer." (Advice given by IT support or a tech-savvy friend)
10 Famous Quotes Using Computer
"The computer was born to solve problems that did not exist before." (Bill Gates, widely attributed)
"The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow. We need to preserve its openness and ensure that all who wish to can participate. We need to keep it safe from crime and violence, and we need to ensure that no one can use it to stifle free expression." (Al Gore, often misquoted or paraphrased as "I invented the Internet," but this quote reflects the vision of the Internet and its connection to the computer network.)
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." (Emo Philips, comedian)
"The question of whether a computer can think is no more interesting than the question of whether a submarine can swim." (Edsger W. Dijkstra, "The Humble Programmer," 1972 Turing Award Lecture)
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." (Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love, 1973)
"The most important thing for the future of humanity is to make sure that the machines do not become self-aware. Then we are finished. And we are going to be living in a world which is basically run by a super-intelligent computer." (Stephen Hawking, from an interview on AI risks)
"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." (Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943. While often disputed as to exact wording and context, it represents a popular historical anecdote about underestimating the computer's future.)
"Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all." (John F. Kennedy, speaking about the human mind)
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." (Arthur C. Clarke, Profiles of the Future, 1962. While not directly about "computer," this quote heavily applies to the transformative and often bewildering nature of computing technology as it advanced.)
"The great thing about a computer is that if you make a mistake, you can always delete it. The great thing about life is that you can't." (Source unclear, but a popular adage about the difference between digital and real-world consequences.)
Etymology
The word "computer" has a fascinating journey through time, shifting its meaning dramatically from a person to a machine.
Its roots go back to Latin. It comes from the verb "computare," which means "to count," "to sum up," or "to reckon together." This Latin word itself is a combination of "com-" (meaning "with" or "together") and "putare" (meaning "to reckon," and originally "to prune" or "to clear up"). So, at its core, the idea is about bringing numbers or facts together to figure something out.
The first known use of the word "computer" in English was in 1613. This was in a book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by English writer Richard Braithwaite.
However, here's the crucial part: when it was first used in 1613, a "computer" was not a machine. It was a person whose job was to perform calculations or computations. Think of them as human calculators. Before electronic devices, complex calculations for things like astronomy, navigation, or business were done by individuals who were skilled at arithmetic. These "human computers" would spend their days crunching numbers.
It wasn't until the very end of the 19th century, around 1897, that the word "computer" started to refer to a machine that could perform calculations. Even then, these were often mechanical devices.
The meaning we commonly understand today – a "programmable digital electronic device" – really solidified much later, around 1945, with the development of the first large-scale electronic machines like ENIAC. These machines were specifically designed to replace the work of those human "computers," and so the name stuck, evolving from the person to the powerful calculating device.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Computer
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "computer" or its close synonyms/concepts:
Computer Says No: (Common idiom, originated from the UK sketch show Little Britain) Used to express that a system or rule, often automated, is inflexible and doesn't allow for exceptions.
Computer geek/nerd: (Common phrase) Someone highly knowledgeable about or obsessive about computers and technology.
Computer virus/worm: (Common phrase) Malicious software designed to spread from one computer to another, often disrupting operations.
Computer-aided design (CAD): (Common technical phrase) Using computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
Computer literacy: (Common phrase) The ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills from elementary use to programming and advanced problem-solving.
Man vs. Machine: (Idiom, broader but heavily applies to "computer") Refers to a competition or conflict where human capabilities are pitted against the capabilities of a machine (often a computer or AI).
To crunch numbers: (Idiom, uses "computer" implicitly) To perform a lot of calculations or process a large amount of data, typically done by a computer or with its aid.
To compute the risks: (Phrase, uses the verb "compute") To calculate or assess the potential dangers or downsides of a situation.
A walking computer: (Lesser-known/original phrase) Describes a person with an exceptionally strong memory or rapid calculation abilities.
As fast as a supercomputer: (Original phrase/simile) Used to describe something incredibly quick or efficient, akin to the processing speed of a supercomputer.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of computer from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
