Word
default
Meanings
a preset option that is automatically chosen if you do not select another one
the usual or typical state or choice that happens if nothing changes it
Definition
A default is the option or state that is used automatically unless someone changes it.
A default is the preset choice a system, device, or process uses when no other choice is made. It often represents the standard settings that appear when you first start something. People can usually change the default to better fit their needs, but it will stay in place until they do.
Examples
- I left the default settings in place because I wanted to see how the software behaved out of the box.
- You can change the default language in the app, but it may revert after a full reinstall.
- She questioned the default assumption that everyone would agree with the proposal.
- They treated remote work as the default, only coming into the office when collaboration truly required it.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the noun default with the verb phrase default on and say “default on something” instead of “default to something.”
More at C1 level
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