WordGarden.ioupdate
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈəpdˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈəpˌdeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to make something current by adding newer information or changes
to tell someone the latest information about something
to move software, a device, or digital content to a newer version
Noun
the latest information or a brief progress report about something
a new software or app version that adds changes, fixes, or improvements
a change or revised version that brings something up to date
Beyond the definition
An "update" can be many things. Think of your phone: when it asks if you want to update the software, it is offering fixes, improvements, or new features. But this word is not only about technology. It also means giving someone the latest information. If you ask a friend for an update on their vacation, you want to hear what has been happening. It can also be a verb: "Please update me on the project's progress." In everyday English, the idea is simple: something gets brought up to date.
The word "update" covers several related meanings, and they all connect to the idea of bringing something up to date or giving new information.
Today, we often hear "update" in the context of technology. Software updates fix problems, improve performance, and add new features to devices and apps. "I need to update my operating system" means you are installing a newer version.
However, "update" is also a noun meaning new information about recent events or progress. "Do you have an update on the weather?" asks for the newest forecast. As a verb, it means to give that new information: "She updated us on her job search."
Beyond technology and news, "update" can also mean to revise, refresh, or modernize something. "The museum is renovating its exhibits to update them" suggests it is making them more current and useful. You might also update a document, a schedule, a design, or even your wardrobe.
So whether it is fixing a glitch on your computer, sharing recent news, or refreshing an old design, "update" suggests change that makes something current, more accurate, or more useful.
Examples
- 1
Account details
Please update your address in the system.
- 2
Job search
She updated her resume before applying for the job.
- 3
Spreadsheet data
The team updated the spreadsheet with last week's sales figures.
- Patternupdate X with Y
add Y as new information to X
- 4
Live prices
The website updates flight prices every few minutes.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Phone software
I need to update my phone before I can use the new app.
- 6
Medical news
Keep me updated on what the doctor says.
- Patternkeep someone updated on + topic
continue giving them new information about it
- 7
Latest news
I'll update you after I talk to the manager.
- Patternupdate someone
tell them the latest news
- 8
Meeting briefing
Can you give me a quick update before the meeting starts?
- 9
School notice
The school sent parents an update about the bus schedule.
- 10
Repair news
Do you have any updates on the repair?
- Patternupdates on + topic
the latest news about it
- 11
Game software
After the latest update, the game runs much more smoothly.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- updatenounverb
Forms
- updatedpast tenseverbnoun
- updatespluralnounverb
- updating-ing formverbnoun