WORDPROCESSING Meaning and
Definition
-
Word processing is defined as the creation, editing, formatting, and storage of documents using specialized computer software. It involves the use of a computer system and specific software to compose and manipulate text-based documents, including letters, articles, reports, and other written materials.
In word processing, users can enter text via a keyboard or by copying and pasting from other sources. The software provides a wide range of formatting options such as font styles, sizes, and colors. It also allows users to apply formatting features like bold, italics, underline, and alignment to enhance the appearance of the text.
Word processing software typically includes tools for spell-checking, grammar-checking, and thesaurus functions to ensure accurate and polished documents. Users can also insert graphics, images, tables, and other media elements to enhance their documents' visual appeal and effectiveness.
Additionally, word processing applications offer features like automated table of contents, headers, footers, page numbering, and formatting consistency across the document. Users can easily edit and rearrange content by cutting, copying, and pasting text and objects within and between documents.
Word processing has revolutionized the creation and editing of written materials, providing a more efficient, organized, and flexible approach compared to traditional typewriters or handwriting. It enables users to produce professional-looking documents with speed, ease, and precision, saving time and effort in the process.
Etymology of WORDPROCESSING
The word "wordprocessing" is derived from the combination of two words: "word" and "processing".
- "Word" can be traced back to the Old English word "word", which meant "speech" or "utterance". Its origins can be found in the Proto-Germanic language, where it had a similar meaning. The word has remained largely unchanged in meaning over the centuries.
- "Processing" comes from the verb "process", which comes from the Latin word "processus" meaning "a going forward". The prefix "pro-" means "forward", while the root "-cedere" means "to go".
The term "wordprocessing" was coined in the mid-20th century to describe the electronic manipulation and creation of documents using computer software.
