Definition

1. Verb:
   • To transfer data from a remote or central system to a local device: The primary meaning is to copy a file, program, or other data from a larger or distant computer (like a server on the internet) to a smaller or local computer (like a personal computer, phone, or tablet).

Usage

• As a verb, "download" is typically used with a direct object (the thing being transferred).
• It is often followed by the preposition "from" to indicate the source.
• Example:

Examples

• Verb:
  • I will download the report and read it offline.
  • Please download the attachment and open it on your computer.
  • It took an hour to download the movie because my internet connection was slow.

Advanced Usage

• "to be downloadable": Describes a file or program that is available for downloading.
  • The manual is downloadable as a PDF file.
• "to download onto": Specifies the target device or location.
  • She downloaded the app onto her new phone.

Variants and Related Words

• Download (noun): The act of downloading or the file that has been downloaded.
  • The download completed successfully.
  • I can't open the download.
• Downloader (noun): A person or program that performs downloads.
  • This downloader can pause and resume transfers.
• Undownload (verb): A rare, informal term meaning to remove a downloaded file.
  • I decided to undownload the game to save space.

Synonyms

• Transfer: To move data from one place to another.
• Retrieve: To get or bring something back, especially data.
• Copy: To make a duplicate of data.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Download to: To transfer data to a specific device.
  • He downloaded the podcast to his MP3 player.

Related Idioms

• "Download and install": A common paired instruction meaning to first transfer a program and then set it up to run on your device.
  • To use the application, you must first download and install it.

Verb

1. transfer a file or program from a central computer to a smaller computer or to a computer at a remote location