What does "binary" mean?
A state in which only two values are possible, in which something must have one value or the other.
Binary
/ˈbaɪ.nə.ɹɪ/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A state in which only two values are possible, in which something must have one value or the other.
- Grammar: binary is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ambidextrous, base two system, base-2, base-2 system.
- Useful contrasts: non-binary, plaintext, base-10.
- Usage evidence: There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don't.
How to use "binary"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "binary" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "binary" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "binary" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "binary" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "binary" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ambidextrous" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "binary", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A state in which only two values are possible, in which something must have one value or the other. countable, uncountable
"The correlation between warmth and cold is an internal one where the existence of one depends on and is defined by the other. Hence, the yin-yang binary as a correlative binary of light-shade or warmth-cold [...]"
- 2 a pre-compiled, pre-linked program that is ready to run under a given operating system; a binary for one operating system will not run on a different operating system wordnet
- 3 The bijective base-2 numeral system, which uses only the digits 0 and 1. uncountable
"As our initial exposure to the base 10 number system consisted of learning how to count, it also makes sense that we might begin by learning how to count in binary."
- 4 a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation wordnet
- 5 Synonym of binary file. countable, uncountable
"Now that you have a high-level idea of what binaries look like and how they work, you're ready to dive into a real binary format."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 Synonym of binary asteroid. countable, uncountable
- 7 Synonym of binary planet. countable, uncountable
- 8 Synonym of binary star. countable, uncountable
"As discussed in Section 5.1, the study of the properties of planets in binaries and the search for differences between the characteristics of these objects and those of planets orbiting single stars, is crucial to the understanding of the role of binarity in planet formation and evolution."
- 9 Synonym of binary option. countable, uncountable
Adjective
- 1 Being in one of two mutually exclusive states.
"Binary states are often represented as 1 and 0 in computer science."
- 2 Concerning logic whose subject matter concerns such states.
"Near-synonym: Boolean"
- 3 Concerning numbers and calculations using the binary number system.
- 4 Having two equally important parts; related to something with two parts.
"binary star"
- 5 Of an operation, function, procedure, or logic gate, taking exactly two operands, arguments, parameters, or inputs; having domain of dimension 2.
"Division of reals is a binary operation."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Of data, consisting coded values (e.g. machine code) not interpretable as plain or ASCII text (e.g. source code).
"He downloaded the binary distribution for Linux, then burned it to DVD."
- 7 Focusing on two mutually exclusive conditions. comparable
"He has a very binary understanding of gender."
- 8 Having or pertaining to a gender identity represented by the gender binary; either male or female.
"To further unpack trans and gender-diverse embodiment, requires one to unpack the depth of the discourse as it relates to both binary and non-binary people (Hofman, 2012). It necessitates deeper engagement as to the politics of passing, not passing, societal assimilation and non-assimilation."
Adjective
- 1 consisting of two (units or components or elements or terms) wordnet
- 2 of or pertaining to a number system have 2 as its base wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don't."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "binary"?
Common synonyms include: ambidextrous, base two system, base-2, base-2 system, base-two system, bifacial.
How do you use "binary" in a sentence?
There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don't.
How do you pronounce "binary"?
Pronounced /ˈbaɪ.nə.ɹɪ/.
Etymology
From Late Latin bīnārius (“consisting of two”), from Latin bīnī (“two-by-two, pair”). By surface analysis, bin- + -ary.