array

/ə'rei/

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Word: Array

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definition:

1. Noun: An "array" refers to a collection or arrangement of items, often in a systematic or organized way. It can mean a display of different things, such as books, clothes, or even soldiers.
2. Verb: To "array" means to arrange or organize things in a specific order or to align oneself with a group or idea.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun, "array" is used to describe a group of items that are arranged neatly or in a particular way.
• As a verb, "array" describes the action of organizing items or aligning oneself with a belief or group.

Examples:

• Noun: "The store had a beautiful array of colorful dresses on display." (This means there was a nice collection of dresses arranged in an attractive way.)
• Verb: "She decided to array her clothes by color to make it easier to find what she wanted." (This means she organized her clothes in a color order.)

Advanced Usage:

• In technical contexts, such as computing, an "array" can refer to a data structure that holds a collection of items, usually of the same type.
• In military terms, an "array" can describe the formation of troops set up for battle.

Word Variants:

• Arrayed (verb): The past tense of "array." Example: "The soldiers were arrayed for inspection."
• Arraying (verb): The present participle form. Example: "She is arraying the books on the shelf."

Different Meanings:

1. In mathematics or computer science: An array is a systematic arrangement of data elements, often in rows and columns.
2. In fashion: An array can refer to a stylish or impressive display of clothing or accessories.

Synonyms:

• For noun: collection, display, assortment, arrangement, lineup.
• For verb: arrange, organize, align, position.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms directly related to "array," but you might hear phrases like "array of choices," which means many options available.
• A related phrasal verb could be "lay out," which means to arrange or organize something systematically (e.g., "I'll lay out the papers on the table.").

Summary:

The word "array" can describe both a collection of items arranged in an organized way and the action of arranging those items. It can be used in everyday conversations, technical discussions, or even in military contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics
2. especially fine or decorative clothing
3. an impressive display
   • it was a bewildering array of books
   • his tools were in an orderly array on the basement wall
4. an orderly arrangement
   • an array of troops in battle order

Verb

1. align oneself with a group or a way of thinking
2. lay out orderly or logically in a line or as if in a line
   • lay out the clothes
   • lay out the arguments

Synonyms

• raiment
• regalia
• align
• range
• lay out
• set out