Default

Definition

Default refers to a failure to fulfill an obligation, especially in financial contexts, such as not repaying a loan. It also refers to a pre-set option in a system or software that is automatically selected if no alternative is chosen.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɔlt/, /ˈdiːfɔlt/
• Respelling: dih-FAULT, DEE-fault

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɔːlt/
• Respelling: dih-FAWLT

The pronunciation of "default" varies slightly between American and British English, especially in the vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "default" comes from the Old French word "defaute," meaning "lack" or "failure." It is derived from the Latin "defallere," meaning "to deceive" or "to fail." The term entered Middle English in the 13th century, initially used to describe a failure to act or meet an obligation.

Derivatives

• Defaulter (noun)
• Defaulted (verb, past tense)
• Defaulting (verb, present participle)
• Non-default (noun)
• Pre-default (adjective)

Synonyms

• Failure
• Neglect
• Pre-set

Antonyms

• Fulfillment
• Achievement
• Selection

Usage

The word "default" is commonly used in financial, legal, and technological contexts. In finance, it refers to the failure to repay a loan or meet a contractual obligation. In computing, it describes the pre-set option or setting that is automatically applied unless the user specifies otherwise. It is also used in everyday language to describe a failure to act or an automatic choice when no decision is made.

Related Terms

• Breach: The violation of an agreement or law.
• Preset: A pre-determined setting or option in a system or device.
• Liability: The state of being responsible for something, especially by law.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Failure to meet an obligation, especially in finance: Refers to the act of not fulfilling a duty or payment.
  • Example: "The company declared bankruptcy after it defaulted on its loans."
• A pre-set option in a system or software: Describes the standard setting that is automatically chosen unless the user selects something else.
  • Example: "The printer's default settings can be changed in the preferences menu."

Verb

• To fail to fulfill an obligation: Refers to neglecting or failing to meet a responsibility, especially in financial contexts.
  • Example: "He defaulted on his mortgage, leading to foreclosure."
• To revert to a pre-set option: Refers to a system or device automatically returning to a standard setting.
  • Example: "If no other option is selected, the system will default to its original settings."