ordinateurs — meaning in English: computers

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nouveaux

ordinateurs

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secteur

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'ordinateurs' in various everyday contexts, such as discussing technology in a workplace or during school lessons about digital tools. For example, a teacher might say, 'Les ordinateurs sont essentiels pour l'apprentissage moderne' while explaining the importance of technology in education.

Synonyms & nuances

'Ordinateur' specifically refers to desktop and laptop computers, while 'machine' could refer to any mechanical device, and 'appareil' is more general, potentially covering a wider range of equipment. You would use 'ordinateur' when you want to clearly indicate the device used for computing tasks.

Culture

The word 'ordinateur' was coined in the 1950s by the French mathematician and computer scientist Jacques Perret. It stems from the Latin 'ordinare', meaning 'to arrange', reflecting the computer's role in organizing data and information. Interestingly, the term 'ordinateur' became widely adopted in France, while English-speaking countries opted for the term 'computer' derived from 'compute'.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'ordinateur'?

'Ordinateurs' is the plural form of 'ordinateur'. In French, nouns typically change form in the plural, often by adding an 's' at the end.

Q.How do I use 'ordinateurs' in a sentence?

You can use 'ordinateurs' in sentences such as 'J'ai plusieurs ordinateurs à la maison' which means 'I have several computers at home.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'ordinateurs'?

A common mistake is confusing gender; 'ordinateur' is masculine, so remember to use masculine articles like 'le' when referring to it, such as 'le nouvel ordinateur'.

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