shareware

shareware — noun

1. programs or applications that a user can try at no cost, but that require paymen

1.名詞B2
釋義

programs or applications that a user can try at no cost, but that require payment to keep using after a test period ends.

例句

Gabriel tried a shareware video editor to check if it had the features he needed.

attributive noun: shareware + video editor (software type)

Meera tested the shareware program for two weeks before deciding to purchase the full version.

typical pattern: test shareware + time period + purchase decision

同義詞
  • trialware

    nearly identical in meaning; emphasises the time-limited nature of the trial

  • demo software

    often shorter and with limited features, not necessarily requiring payment afterward

  • evaluation copy

    slightly more formal; used in business software contexts

反義詞
  • freeware

    completely free, no payment required at any stage

  • open-source software

    free in terms of access to source code, not necessarily free of cost, but the distribution model is fundamentally different

文法句型

shareware + noun (e.g. shareware program, shareware game)

as shareware (distribute/publish/release as shareware)

用法筆記

Shareware is an uncountable noun in standard English. It is frequently used attributively before other nouns (e.g. 'shareware program', 'shareware version'). Do not confuse with 'freeware', which is completely free with no payment required at any stage, or 'open-source software', where users can access and modify the source code.

常見錯誤

❌I downloaded a shareware antivirus that never asks for payment.
✅I downloaded a freeware antivirus that never asks for payment.
💡freeware is always free; shareware requires payment after a trial period.
❌I got the game as shareware from a torrent site.
✅I got the game as shareware from the developer's official website.
💡shareware is a legal distribution model, not a term for pirated copies.