What does "update" mean?
An additional piece of information, an addition to existing information.
Update
/ˈʌp.deɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An additional piece of information, an addition to existing information.
- Grammar: update is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: actualise, actualize, actualizing, adjust.
- Useful contrasts: antiqued, egyptian like, empty record.
- Usage evidence: Could I get you to update this data for me?
How to use "update"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "update" 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 "update" 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 "update" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "update" 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 "update" is acting as noun, verb 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 "actualise" 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 "update", 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 An additional piece of information, an addition to existing information.
"I just made an update to my blog about my trip to Rome."
- 2 the act of bringing someone or something up to date wordnet
- 3 An additional piece of information, an addition to existing information.; An advisement providing more up-to-date information than currently known.
"He gave me an update on the situation in New York."
- 4 information or data that updates wordnet
- 5 A change in information, a modification of existing or known data.; A modification of something to a more recent, up-to-date version; (in software) a minor upgrade.
"Our database receives an update every morning at 3 AM."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A change in information, a modification of existing or known data.; An adjustment of parametres in a model, or the rule by which they are adjusted.
"stochastic update"
- 7 A version of something which is newer than other versions.
"You should try the update: it rocks."
Verb
- 1 To bring (a thing) up to date. transitive
"I need to update my records to take account of the most recent transaction."
- 2 modernize or bring up to date wordnet
- 3 To bring (a person) up to date: to inform (a person) about recent developments. transitive
"Update me on what happened while I was away."
- 4 bring to the latest state of technology or supply with the latest data wordnet
- 5 bring up to date; supply with recent information wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Could I get you to update this data for me?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "update"?
Common synonyms include: actualise, actualize, actualizing, adjust, affect variable, amend.
How do you use "update" in a sentence?
Could I get you to update this data for me?
How do you pronounce "update"?
Pronounced /ˈʌp.deɪt/.
Etymology
From up- + date. Earliest usages from 1940s (see Citations).
More for "update"
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