Configure
/kənˈfɪɡ.jər/noun
To arrange parts or settings so they work together in a desired way.
Did you know?Configure comes from Latin roots meaning “to shape together,” from a word family tied to physical form and figure-making rather than modern tech.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dheigh-
“to form, shape, mold”
Latin
Latin
figura
“shape, form, outline, figure”
Latin
Latin
configurare
“to shape together, fashion, arrange”
Late Latin
Latin
configuratus
“shaped, arranged”
Middle French
Old French
configurer
“to arrange, dispose”
16th Century
English
configure
“to give a form or structure to; arrange according to a plan”
Modern English
English
configure
“to set up or arrange parts so they function together”
Explore more surprising origins