BY DEFAULT Meaning and
Definition
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By default is a term that refers to the pre-selected option, condition, or outcome that is automatically used or applied when no alternative choice or action has been made or taken. It is often used to describe the default setting or state of a system, program, device, or process.
In technology, the term "by default" indicates the automatic selection or initiation of a particular program, setting, or configuration when the user does not explicitly choose an alternative option. For example, when installing software, the installer may ask the user to select an installation location, but if no choice is made, it will install the program in the default directory defined by the developer.
In a broader context, "by default" can also refer to a situation that occurs or a decision that is made when no active intervention or decision takes place. For instance, in a contest where no contestant shows up, the only participant becomes the winner "by default." Similarly, when a person is absent or fails to respond to a legal claim, a court may rule in favor of the opposing party "by default."
Overall, the term "by default" highlights the automatic or predetermined action, outcome, or state that occurs when no other option or decision is made or taken.
Common Misspellings for BY DEFAULT
- vy default
- ny default
- hy default
- gy default
- bt default
- bg default
- bh default
- bu default
- b7 default
- b6 default
- by sefault
- by xefault
- by cefault
- by fefault
- by refault
- by eefault
- by dwfault
- by dsfault
- by ddfault
- by drfault
Etymology of BY DEFAULT
The phrase "by default" originates from the merging of two separate words: "by" and "default".
The word "default" was first used in the 14th century and comes from the Old French word "defaute", which means "failure" or "lack". In medieval legal contexts, "default" was used to refer to a failure in fulfilling an obligation or duty. It later gained a more general meaning of an omission or failure to act.
The word "by" originates from the Old English word "be", which signifies "near" or "by means of". Over time, its usage expanded to include its modern sense of indicating the doer or agent of an action.
The combination of "by" and "default" likely emerged in legal contexts, referring to a situation where a particular outcome is automatically established or assumed because of a lack of opposition, intervention, or a specific alternative.
Idioms with the word BY DEFAULT
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by default
By default means to happen automatically or by necessity because no other option or alternative has been chosen or specified.
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