digital
/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪdʒɪtl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdi-jə-tᵊl/ (ame, mw)
digital — adjective
- digitalpositive
- more digitalcomparative
- most digitalsuperlative
1. relating to a way of storing and processing information using the two numbers 1
relating to a way of storing and processing information using the two numbers 1 and 0, which computers and electronic machines can read and work with.
The old vinyl records were converted to a digital format so that fans could listen on their phones.
digital format — stored as binary data
Lakan's microphone converts his singing into a digital signal that streams numbers to the editing software.
digital signal — binary data stream for audio recording
Padma switched to digital files for her travel photos after her film camera got soaked in the Chiang Mai rain.
The fitness tracker converts every step into digital data that appears on the phone screen.
- binary
more technical; refers specifically to the 1-and-0 system itself, not the broader technology
- computerized
focuses on the use of computers rather than the binary method of data storage
- analog
uses continuous physical signals (waves) instead of discrete binary numbers
用法筆記
This is the core technical sense. It contrasts with 'analog', which uses continuous physical signals (like grooves on a record) rather than discrete numbers.
常見錯誤
2. operated by or connected with electronic signals and modern computing equipment,
operated by or connected with electronic signals and modern computing equipment, rather than mechanical or analog systems.
The new digital hearing aid adjusts its volume automatically when the room gets noisy.
Tariro bought a digital thermometer that shows the temperature in just two seconds.
digital + [device] — device with electronic circuits
Digital clocks are easier to read than analog ones because the numbers are large and clear.
The hospital upgraded to a fully digital X-ray system that produces clearer images.
- electronic
broader — covers any device using electric circuits, not just those using binary data
- computerized
narrower — implies a built-in computer chip controlling the device
- analog
uses continuous physical signals (hands on a clock face, needle on a gauge)
- mechanical
uses gears, springs, or levers rather than electronic circuits
用法筆記
Frequently used with device nouns (camera, clock, thermometer, scale). Contrasts with 'analog' or 'mechanical'. Many everyday products now default to digital, so 'digital' is often omitted unless the contrast matters.
3. relating to the online world of computers and the web, especially the activities
relating to the online world of computers and the web, especially the activities, services, and media that are part of modern daily life.
Emma runs a small pottery studio in Bristol and uses digital marketing to sell her handmade mugs on Instagram.
digital marketing — online promotion for a small business
The school created a digital library where students can borrow e-books from home.
Vinícius works in digital design, creating websites and app interfaces for clients.
Digital payments have made it easy to split a restaurant bill with friends using your phone.
The newspaper launched a digital edition that readers can access on their tablets.
- online
narrower — specifically through the internet; 'digital' can include offline computer activities too
- virtual
suggests a simulation of physical reality (virtual meeting); 'digital' is broader and less simulation-focused
- electronic
broader — includes any use of electricity, not just internet-connected activities
用法筆記
This is the most common everyday sense. It appears in broad compound nouns such as 'digital world', 'digital age', 'digital native', and 'digital strategy'. The focus is on internet-connected services and culture rather than the underlying binary technology.
常見錯誤
4. showing numbers or other information as electronic figures or symbols on a scree
showing numbers or other information as electronic figures or symbols on a screen, rather than using a moving pointer or a dial.
The car dashboard has a digital display that shows the speed and fuel level clearly.
digital display — electronic screen readout
On the microwave, a small digital screen shows how many seconds remain for cooking.
The scale in Feng's bathroom is digital and shows his weight to the nearest decimal point.
Digital watches have a flat screen that shows numbers instead of moving clock hands.
- numerical
only about numbers; 'digital' displays can also show symbols, letters, or icons
- electronic
broader — a digital display is one type of electronic display
- analog
uses a continuous moving pointer or needle (analog watch, analog gauge)
用法筆記
Describes the appearance of a display, not the underlying technology. A 'digital clock' shows numbers; an 'analog clock' has hands. This sense contrasts with sense 1 (binary data) and sense 2 (electronic circuits) by focusing on the visual output format.
5. connected with a person's fingers or toes, or done using a finger, particularly
connected with a person's fingers or toes, or done using a finger, particularly in medical or anatomical writing.
The doctor performed a digital examination to check for swelling in the patient's throat.
digital examination — using a finger in a medical check
In anatomy class, the students learned that each hand has five digital bones called phalanges.
digital bones — bones of the fingers
A digital reflex test involves tapping the patient's finger to observe the nerve response.
The surgeon examined the digital arteries in the patient's hand before the operation.
用法筆記
This is the original Latin meaning of 'digital' (from 'digitus' = finger/toe). It is now restricted to medical and anatomical writing. Do not confuse with the modern technology senses — context (doctor, anatomy, hand) makes the meaning clear.
常見錯誤
digital — noun
1. a photograph, video, or other media file that is stored and viewed in an electro
a photograph, video, or other media file that is stored and viewed in an electronic form, especially one converted from a physical original.
After the wedding reception at the Grand Hyatt, Hiro uploaded over nine hundred digitals to the studio cloud.
digitals — batch of digital photographs as files
The jewelry boutique asked Talia for high-resolution digitals of the diamond rings for their e-commerce site.
high-resolution digitals — large-format digital photographs
Tariro keeps all her family digitals organized by year in folders on her computer.
The magazine editor asked for the raw digitals before choosing the cover photo.
- digital file
more explicit; avoids confusion with the adjective
- digital copy
emphasizes that it is a copy of an original
- print
a physical photograph on paper
用法筆記
Usually used in the plural form 'digitals' (countable). Common in photography and media production contexts. The singular 'a digital' is less common but possible ('I need a digital of that photo').
2. the business sector that creates and sells electronic media content, such as onl
the business sector that creates and sells electronic media content, such as online advertising, streaming services, and digital publishing.
The publishing group invested heavily in digital, hiring new teams for online advertising.
in digital — in the digital industry sector
At the Boston publishing house where Darius works, digital brings in nearly two-thirds of yearly revenue from online subscriptions.
digital — the digital media business sector
Many graduates are pursuing careers in digital because of the rapid growth in tech jobs.
Feng left his job in print publishing to join a fast-growing digital division.
- tech sector
broader — includes hardware and software, not just media content
- new media
slightly dated term for internet-based media
用法筆記
Uncountable noun used as a business or industry label. Commonly appears in phrases like 'head of digital', 'investment in digital', and 'shift to digital'. Frequently implies digital marketing, media, or advertising specifically.
3. an electronic device, such as a camera, music player, or watch, that uses digita
an electronic device, such as a camera, music player, or watch, that uses digital technology to perform its functions.
Otis replaced his old cassette player with a smaller digital that fits in his pocket.
The camera shop sells both film cameras and high-end digitals with interchangeable lenses.
digitals — digital cameras
Pipeline workers carry a rugged digital that can survive drops and water exposure.
The hiking group relies on a waterproof digital that tracks their route through GPS.
- digital device
more explicit and formal
- electronic device
broader — includes analog electronics too
- analog device
a device that uses continuous signals rather than digital processing
用法筆記
A shortened form where the specific device is clear from context — 'a digital' usually means 'a digital camera' in photography contexts, or 'a digital watch' in retail. The plural 'digitals' can refer to a category of digital devices.
4. a finger or a toe; one of the jointed end parts of the hand or foot.
a finger or a toe; one of the jointed end parts of the hand or foot.
The medical report noted swelling in the second digital of the patient's right hand.
second digital — second finger
Each digital contains three small bones called phalanges, except the thumb which has two.
A broken digital may need a splint and several weeks of rest to heal properly.
The physical therapist gently moved each digital to check the patient's range of motion.
用法筆記
Very rare in modern English; the more common noun is 'digit'. This noun sense is almost exclusively used in medical or anatomical writing. The plural is 'digitals'. Most learners will never need this sense — it is included for completeness.