configure

/kənˈfɪɡə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈfɪɡjər/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈfi-gyər especially British -ˈfi-gə/ (ame, mw)

configure — verb

  • configurepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • configureshe / she / it
  • configuredpast simple
  • configuring-ing form

1. to set up the parts of a system, a piece of equipment, or a space in a planned w

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to set up the parts of a system, a piece of equipment, or a space in a planned way so that everything is in the right position or works well together.

例句

The architect configured the rooms around a central courtyard for better air flow.

configure + noun + prepositional phrase (around)

Felix configured the bookshelves to hold books of the same height on each shelf.

configure + noun + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • arrange

    more general; does not imply connecting parts into a working whole

  • set up

    informal; focuses on getting something ready for use

  • organize

    emphasises order rather than the arrangement of components

  • position

    refers to physical placement rather than overall structure

反義詞

文法句型

configure + noun + prepositional phrase (as / in / into / around)

configure + noun + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently used in passive constructions (e.g., 'The system was configured to…') and often followed by a to-infinitive or a prepositional phrase describing the resulting arrangement.

常見錯誤

❌I need to configure my computer.' (too vague about the goal)
✅I need to configure my computer to connect to the office Wi-Fi.
💡configure works best when followed by a specific purpose or arrangement.
❌The room configures easily.
✅The room is easy to configure.
💡configure is transitive and requires a direct object; it is rarely used intransitively.

2. to change the settings of a computer, device, or program so that it can perform

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to change the settings of a computer, device, or program so that it can perform a specific job or operate in a desired way.

例句

Élise configured the router to block certain websites after school hours.

configure + noun + to-infinitive

You need to configure the software before it connects to the company network.

同義詞
  • set up

    less technical; can mean physical installation or initial setup

  • customise

    focuses on adapting settings to personal preferences

  • program

    implies writing or modifying code, not just adjusting settings

  • adjust

    refers to a small change rather than full system arrangement

反義詞
  • reset

    restoring default settings undoes a configuration

  • disable

    turning off a feature rather than setting it up

文法句型

configure + noun + to-infinitive

configure + noun + with + noun

configure + noun + for + noun

用法筆記

The computing sense is by far the most common modern use of configure. When the object is a device or system, the purpose clause (to-infinitive) or the means phrase (with + noun) is almost always present.

常見錯誤

❌I configured the printer.' (too vague for a learner sentence)
✅I configured the printer to print double-sided by default.
💡the purpose of the configuration should be stated for clarity.
❌She configured a meeting with the client.
✅She set up a meeting with the client.
💡configure is for technical systems, not for scheduling appointments or social arrangements.