desktop
desktop — noun
1. the main screen that appears on a computer after it starts up, where small pictu
the main screen that appears on a computer after it starts up, where small pictures (called icons) stand for programs, files, and folders that you can open.
After logging in, Amihan's desktop was covered in folders for each school subject.
collocation: covered in / covered with [icons, folders]
Ryo tidied his desktop by moving all the old files into one folder.
collocation: tidy / organise your desktop
The shortcut to the dictionary sat right in the middle of the desktop.
When you start a new computer, the desktop usually shows only a few icons.
Sahil took a screenshot of his desktop to show the error message to the technician.
- home screen
the very first screen view; 'home screen' is more common on phones and tablets
- screen
more general term for any display; less specific to the icon-and-folder layout
- workspace
emphasises the area where you do tasks; more formal or productivity-focused
文法句型
the desktop
on the desktop
用法筆記
In everyday language, this computing sense is far more common than the literal meaning of the physical desk surface.
常見錯誤
2. a computing machine that comes with its own display, keyboard, and central tower
a computing machine that comes with its own display, keyboard, and central tower, designed to stay on a desk and not be moved around.
Christopher bought a desktop for his home office; he needed more power for video editing.
pattern: buy a desktop for [purpose]
Unlike a laptop, a desktop lets you upgrade the graphics card or add memory.
contrast: desktop vs laptop
The school library replaced its old desktops with thin, modern models.
Andrés prefers a desktop for gaming because the parts can be swapped out easily.
Eve's desktop takes up most of her desk, but she says the speed is worth it.
- PC
short for personal computer; more general and can include laptops; often implies Windows
- tower
specifically the upright box that holds the computer's main parts; informal
- workstation
a powerful desktop for professional or technical work; more formal
文法句型
a desktop
buy / use / own a desktop
用法筆記
Often shortened to 'desktop' in conversation — 'I work on a desktop' clearly means a desktop computer, not the screen view, because the screen view sense would use 'on the desktop' with a definite article.
常見錯誤
3. the flat top part of a desk where people write, set up a computer, or sort throu
the flat top part of a desk where people write, set up a computer, or sort through documents.
Mizuki cleared the desktop and spread the maps out across the whole surface.
collocation: clear the desktop (physical sense)
A small lamp stood at the corner of the desktop, casting a warm glow.
physical scene: lamp on the desktop
The oak desktop had deep scratches and ink stains from thirty years of use.
Élise wiped the desktop clean before laying out the fabric for her sewing project.
文法句型
the desktop
on the desktop
用法筆記
This literal sense is much less frequent than the two computing senses in modern English. It is most often used when describing the physical condition, material, or arrangement of a desk surface.
常見錯誤
desktop — adjective
1. describes a piece of equipment, especially a computer or a printer, that is comp
describes a piece of equipment, especially a computer or a printer, that is compact enough to sit on a desk top.
The company released a desktop printer that fits neatly beside a monitor.
desktop printer — most common collocation
Renata chose a desktop scanner for her small office rather than the larger standing model.
desktop scanner — office equipment pattern
Desktop models are often cheaper than portable versions with the same features.
Amira purchased a desktop shredder for the documents she needed to dispose of.
A desktop fan sat beside the monitor, keeping the computer cool during summer.
文法句型
desktop [noun]
常見錯誤
2. relating to the area that fills a computer screen after the system starts, where
relating to the area that fills a computer screen after the system starts, where shortcuts, folders, and window panels are displayed.
You can change the desktop background to a photo of your favourite place.
collocation: desktop background / desktop wallpaper
Eli organised the desktop icons into neat rows at the bottom of the screen.
desktop icons — standard computing collocation
The desktop search feature lets you find files without opening every folder.
Rania pinned her most-used programmes to the desktop taskbar for quick access.
A desktop widget shows the time and weather without needing to open an app.
- on-screen
broader; refers to anything displayed on a screen, not just the main view
- screen-based
more formal; refers to anything presented via a screen
文法句型
desktop [noun]