Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɔlt/

Definitions of default

noun a failure to fulfill an obligation, especially a financial one

Example Sentences

A1 In the game, the default setting is easy.

A2 The default font size on the website is too small.

B1 You can change the default language in the settings.

B2 The default option for payment is credit card.

C1 The default behavior of the software can be customized.

C2 The default settings can be restored to factory defaults.

verb to fail to fulfill an obligation, especially a financial one

Example Sentences

A1 I default to using my phone for taking pictures because I always forget to bring my camera.

A2 When I don't know what to order at a restaurant, I default to getting a burger.

B1 If you don't make a selection, the computer will default to the standard settings.

B2 The team captain defaulted to the coach's decision on which strategy to use.

C1 The company defaulted to its original business plan after the merger fell through.

C2 The CEO defaulted to her trusted advisors for guidance on the company's future direction.

Examples of default in a Sentence

formal The default setting for the software can be changed in the preferences menu.

informal If you don't choose a dessert, the default option is usually ice cream.

slang I always go with the default pizza toppings, can't go wrong with pepperoni!

figurative She has a default response whenever someone asks her about her plans - 'I'll see how I feel.'

Grammatical Forms of default

past tense

defaulted

plural

defaults

comparative

more default

superlative

most default

present tense

defaults

future tense

will default

perfect tense

have defaulted

continuous tense

is defaulting

singular

default

positive degree

default

infinitive

to default

gerund

defaulting

participle

defaulted

Origin and Evolution of default

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Old French and Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'default' originated from the Old French word 'defaute' which came from the Latin word 'defectus' meaning 'failure' or 'lack'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the legal context to refer to a failure to fulfill an obligation, the word 'default' has evolved to also mean the preset option or setting in modern technology and finance.