format

S2 W2

BrE /ˈfɔːm.ət/ AmE /ˈfɔːrmət/

verb / noun en → es

past formatted pp formatted ing formatting

1 COMPUTER DISK [transitive] B1

to prepare a computer disk or drive so that it can be used to store information

formatear, preparar para uso

  • format something

Collocations format a hard drive · format a USB stick

  • I need to format this disk before I can use it.

    Necesito formatear este disco antes de poder usarlo.

2 TEXT [transitive] B1

to arrange text in a particular way, especially for printing or display on a computer screen

formatear, dar formato

  • format something

Collocations format text · format a document

  • The program automatically formats the text.

    El programa formatea automáticamente el texto.

3 STYLE [transitive] B2

to give something a particular style or appearance, especially in order to make it suitable for a specific purpose or audience

dar formato, dar estilo

  • format something

Collocations format an event · format a magazine

  • The company formats its products to appeal to young people.

    La empresa da formato a sus productos para atraer a los jóvenes.

4 MEDIA B2

the way in which something is presented or produced, such as on television or radio

formato, estilo de presentación

Phrasal verbs

format for PREPARE FOR C1

preparar para, formatear para

  • The software formats the data for easy access.

    El software prepara los datos para un acceso fácil.

format on BASED ON C1

formatear en base a, basado en

  • The system formats the data on the user's preferences.

    El sistema formatea los datos en función de las preferencias del usuario.