Default
/dɪˈfɔːlt/
nounverbadjectiveB2
Definition
As a noun or adjective, "default" means the normal setting or choice that happens if you do not change it. For example, a computer might open a program with the default font if you don't pick a different one. As a verb, "default" means to fail to do something you must do, often used when someone does not pay money they owe on time.
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See It in Action
Noun/Adjective: The automatic or usual option used when no other is chosen
- •The default password is "1234" until you change it.
- •If you don’t select a language, English is the default.
- •The printer uses black ink by default.
Verb: To fail to do something, especially to fail to pay money owed
- •He defaulted on his loan and the bank took action.
- •The company defaulted on its payments last year.
- •If you default, your credit score may go down.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "default" like "normal" or "usual," but it happens automatically unless you change it.
- ✓Picture a machine set to start with the same program every time unless you press a different button.
- ✓It's the feeling when you forget to choose something, so the computer or system picks the option for you.
- ✓Sounds like "dee-FAULT" → imagine a fault (problem) happening by default when you don't act.
- ✓In stories, a character might default to old habits when nervous, meaning they return to usual behavior without thinking.
- ✓NOT like "choice" (which you actively make), "default" is what happens if you do nothing.
- ✓NOT like "error" (a mistake), default is the planned option unless changed.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "pay" (to do the required action), default means you fail to do it.
Try Other Words
- •Standard: the normal or accepted way (Use when talking about settings or options chosen by most people)
- •Failure: not doing what is required (Use when "default" means failing to pay or act)
- •Automatic: happening without thinking or action (Use when emphasizing no action is needed to cause the result)
- •Neglect: ignoring a duty or responsibility (Use when "default" means failing to do something important)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "de-" (away, down) + "fault" (a mistake or failure)
- •Etymology: From Old French "defaute" meaning lack or failure, from Latin "defectus" meaning failure or defect
- •Historical development: Originally meant failure or lack in law or finance; later extended to mean automatic option in technology and systems
- •Modern usage: Used in technology for automatic settings, and in finance/law for failure to meet obligations
Reflect & Connect
•How does the idea of a "default" setting help us in daily life with technology or decisions?
•What feelings or consequences come with defaulting on a loan or important responsibility?
Fill in the blanks
1.The computer uses English as the default language unless you ___ another one.
2.When someone defaults on a payment, it usually causes ___ problems with lenders.
3.The default printer setting is black ink, so if you want color, you must ___ it.
4.If you do not choose a password, the system will assign a ___ one for you.
5.People often default to habits when they feel ___ or stressed.
6.The bank took action because the customer defaulted ___ his loan.
7.Default settings are useful because they save time when you do not want to ___ each option.