update
noun
What update means
A new version of a program or app that fixes problems or adds small improvements.
There’s a new update for my phone.
The update fixed the battery problem.
Test yourself
Five questions about update
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Question 1 of 5Meaning
What does update mean?
An update is a newer version of an app or program that you install to fix problems, close security holes or add small new things.
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Question 2 of 5Situation
Your phone says a new version of its system is ready, with a fix for the battery. You should install the…
A new version that fixes problems with what you already have is an update. An upload is a file you send to the internet, and a backup is a spare copy.
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Question 3 of 5Gap
The latest ___ fixed the problem with the camera, so the app works fine now.
Something new that fixes a problem in an app is an update. A hashtag, a bookmark and a screenshot cannot change how an app works.
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Question 4 of 5Similar word
Which phrase is closest in meaning to update?
An update gives you a new version of an app with fixes, so new version is the closest. A saved link is a bookmark and a spare copy is a backup.
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Question 5 of 5Correct use
Which sentence uses update correctly?
Update is a countable noun, so it needs a or the, and we install an update rather than make one. Updating is the -ing form of the verb, not the noun.
Keys 1 to 4 pick an answer, Enter goes on.
Update in a sentence
5 more examples of update in everyday situations.
- On your phone
My phone installed an update overnight, and now the icons look different.
- At work
The update to our booking system will go live on Monday.
- Gaming
The latest game update added new maps and fixed a few bugs.
- As a verb
Please update the app to the newest version before the meeting.
- A warning
Don’t turn off your computer while the update is installing.
How to use update
Update is a noun (UP-date) and a verb (up-DATE): “Please update your app.” The noun is stressed on the first syllable.
An update is smaller than an upgrade. It fixes or improves what you have; an upgrade usually brings a new version.
Forms
- updatesplural / he, she, it
- updateverb
- updatedpast and past participle
- updating-ing form
Patterns
- an update for / to something
- install / download an update
- a software / security update
- update something to the latest version
Common mistakes with update
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NotI made an update of the app.
SayI updated the app.
Use the verb update, or install an update.
Update or upgrade or patch?
- update or upgrade
- An update improves the version you already have and is usually free; an upgrade moves you to a newer or better version or device, and often costs money.
- update or patch
- A patch is a small fix for one problem, often a security problem; an update can contain several fixes plus new features.
Update is a B1 word. Is that your level? Take the level test or count the words you know.
Update word family and collocations
The words that go with update, so you can use it in a whole phrase.
Common collocations
- install an update
- a software update
- a security update
- update available
- update your phone
Word family
- update (noun, verb)
- updated (adjective)
Similar words
- new version
Questions about update
What is the past tense of update?
Update is a regular verb, so the past tense and past participle are updated: “I updated my phone last night.”
Do you make an update or install an update?
You install, download or get an update. “Make an update” sounds unnatural here; if you mean you did it yourself, just say “I updated the app.”
Is it an update for or an update to?
Both are used. An update for or to an app is a new version of it. With the verb, you update something to a version: “Update the app to version 5.”
The word before
Do you still remember timetable?
One question about the word from 20 October. Remembering a word a day later helps it stay.
One question
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What does timetable mean?
A timetable tells you when each bus, train or plane leaves and when it arrives, so you can plan your journey.
Keys 1 to 4 pick an answer.
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The short stops in a video or song while your device waits for more data to load.