default

/di'fɔ:lt/

Friendly

Sure! Let's break down the word "default" into easy-to-understand parts.

Definition:

1. As a noun:

   • Default can mean an option that is chosen automatically unless you pick something different. For example, when you set your phone, the default language might be English unless you change it to another language.
   • It can also refer to a situation where someone fails to meet a financial obligation, like not paying back a loan. For example, if you borrow money and do not pay it back on time, you are in default.
   • Lastly, it can mean losing a game because you did not show up. For example, if a player is not present for a match, they lose by default.

2. As a verb:

   • To default means to fail to pay back a loan or to not fulfill an obligation. For example, if you forget to pay your credit card bill, you may default on your payment.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "default" as a noun when talking about automatic settings or when someone does not fulfill a financial obligation.
• Use "default" as a verb when discussing failing to pay money owed.

Examples:

• Noun: "The default setting on my computer is to save files in PDF format."
• Noun: "He was in default on his loan after missing several payments."
• Noun: "The team won the game by default because the other team did not show up."
• Verb: "If he continues to ignore the bills, he will default on his payments."

Advanced Usage:

• In finance, "default" can refer to different types, such as "technical default" (not meeting certain conditions of a loan agreement without missing payments) or "event of default" (a specific situation that permits a lender to demand full repayment).

Word Variants:

• Defaulted (adjective): Describes a state of having failed to meet a financial obligation (e.g., "defaulted loan").
• Defaulting (verb, present participle): The act of failing to meet obligations (e.g., "He is defaulting on his payments").

Different Meanings:

• In technology, "default" often refers to preset options in software or devices.
• In law, "default judgment" refers to a court decision made because one party did not show up or respond.

Synonyms:

• For the financial context: failure, non-payment, delinquency.
• For the automatic option context: preset, standard, automatic option.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't widely recognized idioms specifically with "default," but you might hear phrases like "default on a loan" or "default judgment" in legal and financial discussions.

Summary:

In summary, "default" can refer to an automatic option, a failure to pay, or losing due to absence.

Academic

Noun

1. an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified
2. loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid
3. act of failing to meet a financial obligation
4. loss due to not showing up
   • he lost the game by default

Verb

1. fail to pay up

Synonyms

• default option
• nonpayment
• nonremittal
• default on