configured

configured — verb

1. put the separate pieces of an object or group together so that they form a parti

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

put the separate pieces of an object or group together so that they form a particular shape, layout, or structure.

Example

Christopher configured the modular shelves into an L-shape that fitted neatly along the corner.

passive-friendly: configure X into Y

The desks in the language lab were configured in small circles to encourage discussion.

passive: be configured in

Common collocations
  • configure something into / as / in
  • configure the layout
  • configure the seating
  • be configured around
Synonyms
  • arrange

    everyday word; weaker emphasis on a fixed end-form

  • lay out

    phrasal; usual for rooms, plans, or pages

  • structure

    more abstract; about overall organisation

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

configure something

be configured as / in / with

Usage Note

Frequently passive in this physical-arrangement sense ('the room is configured to…'). Distinguish from sense 2: this one talks about how parts of a physical or organisational object sit together, not about adjusting software or equipment settings.

Common Mistakes

I configured my hair this morning.
I styled my hair this morning.
'configure' applies to multi-part objects or layouts, not personal grooming.
She configured the cake into a heart.
She shaped the cake into a heart.
for a single soft object, use 'shape' or 'mould'; reserve 'configure' for objects whose separate parts are arranged.

2. change the settings on a computer, a phone, or a piece of software so that it be

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

change the settings on a computer, a phone, or a piece of software so that it behaves the way you want or matches the job you need it for.

Example

Apinya configured her laptop to back up automatically every Sunday night.

configure X to do Y

The new printer must be configured before any of the office computers can use it.

passive: must be configured

Common collocations
  • configure a device
  • configure a server
  • configure software
  • configure settings
  • configure to do something
  • be configured for
Synonyms
  • set up

    more general; covers initial install, not just option changes

  • customize

    stronger sense of tailoring to personal preference

  • tune

    informal; minor adjustments rather than full setup

Antonyms
  • reset

    return settings to defaults, undoing any configuration

Grammar Patterns

configure something to do something

configure something for something

Usage Note

Common in passive ('is configured for / to'), and very often followed by a to-infinitive saying what behaviour you set up. Subject of the action is normally a person, an installer, or a script, while the object is the device, software, or system.

Common Mistakes

I configured to the printer.
I configured the printer.
'configure' takes a direct object, no preposition between verb and object.
He configured his email for working from home it.
He configured his email so it works from home.
when adding a behaviour, use 'to + verb' or 'so (that)' rather than dangling 'it'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

All four verbs describe getting a device or program ready to use, but each covers a different stage. 'Set up' is the broadest, friendliest word, used for everything from unboxing to first-time login. 'Install' is the narrow first step — copying software onto a system or mounting hardware in place. 'Configure' picks up after install: choosing options, ports, accounts, and behaviours so the thing matches your needs; it is more formal and technical than 'set up'. 'Customize' shifts focus to personal taste rather than function — colours, shortcuts, layouts. So you might 'install' Outlook, 'configure' it to use your office mail server, then 'customize' the inbox layout — three sequential, distinct verbs even though everyday speech sometimes treats 'set up' as a cover-all.

configure ↗set up ↗customize ↗install ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • configure a device
  • configure a server
  • configure a network
  • configure the settings
  • configure the layout

Adverbs

  • correctly configured
  • properly configured
  • automatically configured
  • manually configured

Phrases

  • be configured to do something
  • configure something so that
  • factory configured

Prepositions

  • configure for
  • configure as
  • configure with
  • configure to

Etymology

LatinLate LatinEnglish

Borrowed in the 16th century from Late Latin 'configurare', made up of 'con-' (together) and 'figurare' (to shape or form, from 'figura' meaning 'shape'). The word originally meant 'to form into a particular shape', and astronomers used it for the relative positions of stars and planets. The technology meaning — adjusting a computer or device's settings — became dominant only from the late 20th century, as personal computing spread.