configure

configure — verb

1. to set up the parts of a system, a piece of equipment, or a space in a planned w

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to set up the parts of a system, a piece of equipment, or a space in a planned way so that everything is in the right position or works well together.

Example

The architect configured the rooms around a central courtyard for better air flow.

configure + noun + prepositional phrase (around)

Felix configured the bookshelves to hold books of the same height on each shelf.

configure + noun + to-infinitive

Common collocations
  • configure + rooms / tables / seating / furniture / shelves
  • configure + as / into / in / around + noun phrase
Synonyms
  • arrange

    more general; does not imply connecting parts into a working whole

  • set up

    informal; focuses on getting something ready for use

  • organize

    emphasises order rather than the arrangement of components

  • position

    refers to physical placement rather than overall structure

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

configure + noun + prepositional phrase (as / in / into / around)

configure + noun + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Frequently used in passive constructions (e.g., 'The system was configured to…') and often followed by a to-infinitive or a prepositional phrase describing the resulting arrangement.

Common Mistakes

I need to configure my computer.' (too vague about the goal)
I need to configure my computer to connect to the office Wi-Fi.
configure works best when followed by a specific purpose or arrangement.
The room configures easily.
The room is easy to configure.
configure is transitive and requires a direct object; it is rarely used intransitively.

2. to change the settings of a computer, device, or program so that it can perform

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to change the settings of a computer, device, or program so that it can perform a specific job or operate in a desired way.

Example

Élise configured the router to block certain websites after school hours.

configure + noun + to-infinitive

You need to configure the software before it connects to the company network.

Common collocations
  • configure + software / system / network / device / router / printer / settings
  • configure + with + security settings / the right parameters
  • configure + for + wireless use / remote access / a specific task
Synonyms
  • set up

    less technical; can mean physical installation or initial setup

  • customise

    focuses on adapting settings to personal preferences

  • program

    implies writing or modifying code, not just adjusting settings

  • adjust

    refers to a small change rather than full system arrangement

Antonyms
  • reset

    restoring default settings undoes a configuration

  • disable

    turning off a feature rather than setting it up

Grammar Patterns

configure + noun + to-infinitive

configure + noun + with + noun

configure + noun + for + noun

Usage Note

The computing sense is by far the most common modern use of configure. When the object is a device or system, the purpose clause (to-infinitive) or the means phrase (with + noun) is almost always present.

Common Mistakes

I configured the printer.' (too vague for a learner sentence)
I configured the printer to print double-sided by default.
the purpose of the configuration should be stated for clarity.
She configured a meeting with the client.
She set up a meeting with the client.
configure is for technical systems, not for scheduling appointments or social arrangements.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

Configure, set up, customise, program, and adjust all relate to making changes to a computer system or device, but they differ in scope and specificity. Configure suggests arranging multiple interconnected settings or components so that a system works as intended — it is more comprehensive than adjust, which implies a minor tweak to an existing setup. Set up is less technical and can refer to physical installation (plugging in cables) as well as software settings. Customise focuses on tailoring settings to individual preferences or needs. Program involves writing or modifying code, which goes well beyond adjusting settings. For example: 'I configured the server to handle two thousand users' (system-level arrangement), whereas 'I adjusted the volume on the speakers' (a single minor change), and 'I customised the desktop background' (personal preference, not system function).

set up ↗customise ↗program ↗adjust ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • configure + noun + to do something
  • configure + noun + for + noun phrase
  • configure + noun + with + noun phrase

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Configure comes from the Latin word 'configurare', which is made up of 'com-' (meaning 'together') and 'figurare' (meaning 'to shape or form'). It entered English through French in the late 1500s, originally meaning 'to shape or fashion something'. The modern computing meaning — adjusting software or hardware settings — appeared in the 1960s as engineers began describing how they set up early computer systems.